The Plant-Derived Chalcone 2,2′,5′-Trihydroxychalcone Provides Neuroprotection against Toll-Like Receptor 4 Triggered Inflammation in Microglia

Figure 1

225THC is nontoxic and neuroprotective in stimulated primary rat neuronal cultures (cerebellar granule cell neurons; CGCs). Effects of 225THC on primary rat CGC neurons. (a) Toxicity assay of 225THC on primary rat CGC neurons. Data from three separate experiments represent the mean number of live neurons (as assessed by live/dead assay) present per field of view following incubation for 24 h with different concentrations of 225THC (0, 5, 50, and 500 μM) for 24 h. DMSO is the solvent control; basal is CGCs with nothing added. Statistical analysis was performed by ANOVA with Bonferroni post hoc analysis and revealed no toxicity at the concentrations tested when all concentrations were compared with basal. The DMSO solvent control was also not toxic. (b) Direct treatment of CGC cultures for 24 h with 225THC (0, 5, 50, and 500 μM) and 2 μg/mL LPS or 10 ng/mL IFN-γ to activate resident microglia in the cultures. The percentage of apoptotic cells following Hoechst 33342 visualisation of nuclear condensation is shown for each treatment. Statistical analysis was performed by a two-way ANOVA with Bonferroni post hoc analysis; indicates ; ns, not significant when compared as indicated or with the appropriate basal control.

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