Alpinetin inhibits neuroinflammation and neuronal apoptosis via targeting the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway in spinal cord injury

Abstract Background A growing body of research shows that drug monomers from traditional Chinese herbal medicines have antineuroinflammatory and neuroprotective effects that can significantly improve the recovery of motor function after spinal cord injury (SCI). Here, we explore the role and molecular mechanisms of Alpinetin on activating microglia‐mediated neuroinflammation and neuronal apoptosis after SCI. Methods Stimulation of microglia with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to simulate neuroinflammation models in vitro, the effect of Alpinetin on the release of pro‐inflammatory mediators in LPS‐induced microglia and its mechanism were detected. In addition, a co‐culture system of microglia and neuronal cells was constructed to assess the effect of Alpinetin on activating microglia‐mediated neuronal apoptosis. Finally, rat spinal cord injury models were used to study the effects on inflammation, neuronal apoptosis, axonal regeneration, and motor function recovery in Alpinetin. Results Alpinetin inhibits microglia‐mediated neuroinflammation and activity of the JAK2/STAT3 pathway. Alpinetin can also reverse activated microglia‐mediated reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and decrease of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) in PC12 neuronal cells. In addition, in vivo Alpinetin significantly inhibits the inflammatory response and neuronal apoptosis, improves axonal regeneration, and recovery of motor function. Conclusion Alpinetin can be used to treat neurodegenerative diseases and is a novel drug candidate for the treatment of microglia‐mediated neuroinflammation.