DHA attenuates the inflammatory response of BV2 microglial cells exposed to Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Infections associated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa the primary opportunistic pathogen isolated from patients with nosocomial infections, exhibit high mortality rates, particularly in the context of neuroinflammation. Microglia have emerged as a key area of ​​study, with evidence showing that excessive inflammatory activation is linked to the progression of various neurological diseases, including neuroinfections; therefore, proper regulation of the microglial response may be crucial for controlling inflammation. Treatment or supplementation with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) has been shown to reduce factors associated with neuroinflammation by promoting the production of anti-inflammatory and pro-resolving mediators, thereby playing a vital role in maintaining system homeostasis. Objectives: To observe the anti-inflammatory potential of DHA in BV2 cells during Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection. Methods: BV2 cell cultures were stimulated with 200 µM DHA one hour before inoculation with bacteria (MOI 1). Cells were incubated with this stimulus for 24 hours for analysis of IL-6 and TNF-α, cell viability, nitrite, morphological analyses by immunocytochemistry using Iba1, β-tubulin, and quantification of NRF2. Western blot analysis of SOD1 and NRF2 was also performed. Results: Incubation of BV2 cells with Pseudomonas aeruginosa MOI 1 for 24 hours stimulated the expression of the cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α, along with differences in cell morphology, without alterations in cell viability. In cells treated with 200 µM DHA, a reduction in IL-6, TNF-α, and nitrite levels was observed, along with improvements in morphology and cell elongation. Increases in SOD1 and NRF2 concentrations were also observed by Western blot. Conclusion: Omega-3 exhibits anti-inflammatory properties in this neuroinfection model; the next step is to analyze additional parameters of oxidative stress