Conclusion
Insulin enhances microglial immune competence when challenged by endotoxins but mitigates oxidative stress in these cells.
Methods
This study aimed to assess the effects of post-treatment with insulin [30 minutes after lipopolysaccharide (LPS) exposure] on LPS-induced inflammatory responses in BV2 microglial cells.
Results
Post-treatment with insulin potentiated LPS-induced production of nitric oxide and pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF and IL-6, through activation of the Akt/NF-κB pathway. Insulin also enhanced the ability of BV2 cells to phagocytose bacteria particles and β-amyloid fibrils. Conversely, insulin inhibited activation of NADPH oxidase and reduced intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species in LPS-treated BV2 cells.