Lithium Ameliorates LPS-Induced Astrocytes Activation Partly via Inhibition of Toll-Like Receptor 4 Expression

Background/Aims: Astrocytes are critical for the development of postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD). In addition, astrocytes express toll-like receptors 4 (TLR4) and build up responses to innate immune triggers by releasing pro-inflammatory molecules. The pathogenesis of neurological disorders often involves the activation of astrocytes and associated inflammatory processes. Lithium, a primary drug for the treatment of bipolar disorder, has recently been suggested to have a role in neuroprotection during neurodegenerative diseases. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether lithium can ameliorate LPS-induced astrocytes activation via inhibition of TLR4 expression. Methods: Primary astrocytes cells were pretreated with lithium and stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Cellular activation, cytokine production, and TLR4 expression, were assessed. Results: Lithium significantly inhibited LPS-induced astrocytes activation and pro-inflammatory cytokine production, as well as LPS-induced TLR4 expression. Conclusions: Lithium can inhibit LPS-induced TLR4 expression and astrocytes activation. These results indicate that lithium plays an important role in astrocytes activation and neuroinflammation-related diseases, which may open new avenues for neuroscience and biomedical research, and also offers new insight into the treatment of POCD.