Transcription factor Nrf2 suppresses LPS-induced hyperactivation of BV-2 microglial cells

Microglial hyperactivation is a hallmark of neurodegenerative diseases and the suppression of microglial hyperactivation is being investigated as a means to treat inflammation-mediated neurodegenerative disorders. Here we report that transcription factor Nrf2 in BV-2 microglia, which regulates the expression of phase II antioxidant enzyme genes, decreased the levels of LPS-induced inflammatory cytokines and mediators. These anti-inflammatory effects were not due to Nrf2-mediated up-regulation of phase II enzymes, since over-expression of these enzymes failed to suppress LPS-mediated microglial hyperactivation. However, Nrf2 inhibited LPS-derived increases in p38 MAPK phosphorylation and NF-κB activation. This suggests that Nrf2 inhibits microglial hyperactivation by suppressing p38 MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathway.