Aβ-induced microglial cell activation is inhibited by baicalin through the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway.

Baicalin has shown multiple neuroprotective biological activities, including antiapoptotic and anti-inflammatory functions in neurodegeneration diseases. However, whether baicalin can regulate Aβ-induced microglial activation or inhibit inflammatory cytokine secretion has not been confirmed. We demonstrated that baicalin can inhibit beta amyloid peptides (Aβ42)-induced BV2 microglial cell proliferation, reduce the expression of CD11b, decrease chemotactic ability of BV2 cells and significantly inhibit the secretion of IL-6, TNF-α and NO. Moreover, baicalin pretreatment can effectively inhibit Aβ-induced phosphorylation of JAK2 and STAT3. Baicalin can inhibit Aβ-induced microglial cell activation by regulating the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway in AD transgenic mice. The modulation of microglial proliferation, activation and secretion by baicalin could be a promising therapeutic option for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.