Pomegranate inhibits neuroinflammation and amyloidogenesis in IL-1β-stimulated SK-N-SH cells

Purpose Pomegranate fruit, Punica granatum L. (Punicaceae), and its constituents have been shown to inhibit inflammation. In this study, we aimed to assess the effects of freeze-dried pomegranate (PWE) on PGE(2) production in IL-1 beta-stimulated SK-N-SH cells. Methods An enzyme immunoassay (EIA) was used to measure prostaglandin E-2 (PGE(2)) production from supernatants of IL-1 beta-stimulated SK-N-SH cells. Expression of COX-2, phospho-I kappa B, and phospho-IKK proteins was evaluated, while NF-kappa B reporter gene assay was carried out in TNF alpha-stimulated HEK293 cells to determine the effect of PWE on NF-kappa B transactivation. Levels of BACE-1 and A beta in SK-N-SH cells stimulated with IL-1 beta were measured with an in cell ELISA. Results PWE (25-200 mu g/ml) dose dependently reduced COX-2-dependent PGE(2) production in SK-N-SH cells stimulated with IL-1 beta. Phosphorylation of I kappa B and IKK was significantly (p < 0.001) inhibited by PWE (50200 mu g/ml). Our studies also show that PWE (50-200 mu g/ml) significantly (p < 0.01) inhibited NF-kappa B transactivation in TNF alpha-stimulated HEK293 cells. Furthermore, PWE inhibited BACE-1 and A beta expression in SK-N-SH cells treated with IL-1 beta. Conclusions Taken together, our study demonstrates that pomegranate inhibits inflammation, as well as amyloidogenesis in IL-1 beta-stimulated SK-N-SH cells. We propose that pomegranate is a potential nutritional strategy in slowing the progression of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease.