Regulation of LPS-induced neuroinflammation in BV-2 cells by mung bean-derived chlorophyll metal salts via the NF-κB/MAPK signaling pathway.

Chlorophyll extracted from mung beans and derivatized into chlorophyll metal salts, specifically sodium copper chlorophyllin (SCC) and sodium iron chlorophyllin (SIC), have garnered significant attention due to their anti-inflammatory properties. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying their neuroinflammatory effects remain poorly understood. Experiments in LPS-induced BV-2 cells confirmed that SCC/SIC significantly suppressed the production of NO, IL-6, IL-1β and TNF-α. Furthermore, a comprehensive transcriptional analysis was conducted to elucidate the mechanisms responsible for the anti-inflammatory effects of chlorophyll metal salts. GO classification revealed that the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were predominantly involved in phosphorylation modification and transcriptional regulation. Pathway analysis through KEGG and GO enrichment identified immune-related pathways, notably the NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways, as being significantly enriched among the top 20 pathways. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) analysis demonstrated dynamic changes in the mRNA levels of neuroprotective genes such as Dusp2, Hmox1 and Zfp36, all of which were significantly upregulated in the SCC/SIC-treated group. Additionally, Western blot analysis revealed that SCC/SIC exerted anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting the phosphorylation of p65 and p38, while also blocking the nuclear translocation of NF-κB. Collectively, the study suggests that SCC and SIC may confer neuroprotective effects in vitro by suppressing neuroinflammatory responses, providing experimental evidence to support the potential development of natural bioactive compounds for mitigating neuroinflammation.