INSL3 suppresses LPS-induced inflammation in N9 microglia cells

Abstract

Purpose: The G-protein coated receptor (GPCR) family, including the Insulin-Like Peptide 3 (INSL3) receptor, is involved in the Nuclear Factor kappa B (NF-κB)-mediated pathway in inflammation. In this regard, it can be thought that INSL3 plays a role in inflammation via the NF-κB pathway. In this study, we investigated the effect of INSL3 on inflammation and cell viability in the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced N9 microglia cell line. Materials and Methods: N9 microglial cells were pretreated with INSL3 for 2 hours, and then treated with LPS for 6 hours. Cell viability was identified by WST-8 assay. Immunostaining was performed to evaluate the levels of Interleukin-1β (IL-1β), Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and NF-κB. Results: The cells in the LPS group showed degenerative changes in morphology and decreased cell viability. In the INSL3+LPS group (1.21±0.06), the general appearance and viability of the cells were more similar to the control group (1.92±0.04) compared to the LPS group (0.61±0.05). It was determined that INSL3 prevented the LPS-induced increase in IL-1β, TNF-α, and NF-κB levels and decreased cell death. Conclusion: INSL3 suppresses inflammation and thus promotes cellular healing and can be considered a therapeutic agent that reduces inflammation.