Baicalein attenuates neuroinflammation in thrombotic stroke by downregulating the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway

doi:10.5246/jcps.2026.01.003

Abstract

Abstract:

Baicalein (BAI) has been reported to offer neuroprotection against cerebral ischemia. However, its effects on thrombotic cerebral stroke have yet to be fully elucidated. In the present study, we aimed to explore both the efficacy and underlying mechanisms of BAI in a mouse model of photothrombotic-induced thrombotic cerebral stroke. BAI demonstrated significant protective effects against neuronal injury and reduced the infarct area in mice subjected to thrombotic cerebral stroke. Furthermore, BAI lowered the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines within cortical tissues, suppressed glial cell activation, inhibited neuronal apoptosis, and attenuated apoptotic processes throughout the progression of thrombotic stroke. Importantly, additional investigations revealed that BAI downregulated the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway. In conclusion, BAI exerted neuroprotective effects during the subacute phase of thrombotic cerebral stroke, likely through its anti-neuroinflammatory action mediated by inhibition of the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway. These findings offered new insights into the molecular mechanisms by which BAI might contribute to the treatment of thrombotic cerebral stroke.

Key words: Baicalein, Ischemic stroke, Neuroinflammation

Supporting:

Yufu Shang, Dongni Liu, Wenfang Zhang, Wandi Feng, Danhong Feng, Shuang Xu, Wenle Zhao, Guanhua Du, Yuehua Wang. Baicalein attenuates neuroinflammation in thrombotic stroke by downregulating the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway[J]. Journal of Chinese Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2026, 35(1): 38-53.

Figures/Tables 6

References 36

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