Abstract

Bergamottin is a natural furanocoumarin compound that possesses antioxidative and anti-cancer properties; however, the effect of Bergamottin on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation response is unknown. In this study, we investigated the protective effects and mechanisms of Bergamottin against LPS-induced inflammatory responses. Raw264.7 cells were pre-treated with Bergamottin, then stimulated with LPS. Morphologic analysis and flow cytometry were used to measure Bergamottin-related cytotoxicity. ELISA and qPCR were performed to measure secretion and transcription activities of inflammatory cytokines. Biochemical analysis was used to determine the expression of tissues damage indicators. Western blots were used to determine protein expression, and immunofluorescence staining was used to determine the co-localization of NF-κB and RelA. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was used to show the pathological damages. Bergamottin had no cytotoxic effects on Raw264.7 cells. Pre-treatment with Bergamottin inhibited inflammatory cytokines expression and secretion induced by LPS, due to the inhibition of LPS-induced NF-κB signaling pathway activation, and improved pathological damages. These findings suggest that Bergamottin protects against LPS-induced endotoxin shock by regulating the NF-κB signaling pathway.