Apigenin attenuates serum concentrations of TNF-a, interleukin 1b and interleukin 6 in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated rats

Document Type : Short communication

Author

Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Research Institute for Prevention of Non-Communicable Diseases, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran

Abstract

 Objective: The use of flavonoids is increasing due to their costeffectiveness and less adverse reaction. Therefore, the effect of
apigenin on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation was
investigated by measuring IL-1b, IL-6, and TNF-a, of serum in the
male rats.
Materials and Methods: Ninety male wistar rats were divided in
6 groups included; control, sham, dexamethasone 15 mg/kg,
intraperitoneally (i.p.), and apigenin (5, 15, and 30 mg/kg, i.p).
Thirty minutes after the administration of solvent or apigenin, LPS
(30 μg/kg, i.p) was injected. At time intervals of 4, 12 and 24 hr
after injection, blood samples were taken and the concentrations of
TNF-a, IL-1b and IL-6 were measured by enzyme-linked
immunosorbent assay.
Results: Compared to the control, apigenin (5 mg/kg) decreased
the level of TNF-a, and IL-1b in a period of 24 hr (p<0.05). The
concentration of IL-6 decreased significantly by apigenin (15
mg/kg) 24 hr after injection (p<0.05). Apigenin (30 mg/kg)
decreased the level of TNF-a, at all three time points (4 hr; p<0.05,
12 hr; p<0.01, and 24 hr; p<0.01), and the level of IL-1b (p<0.01),
24 hr and the level of IL-6 at 4 hr (p<0.05), and 24 hr (p<0.01)
after LPS injection.
Conclusion: Apigenin can suppress serum inflammatory
cytokines, similar to dexamethasone
 

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