Systemic administration of Shikonin ameliorates cognitive impairment and neuron damage in NPSLE mice

Shikonin is an anti-inflammatory natural herbal drug extracted from Lithospermum erythrorhizon and its therapeutic effect on neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus (NPSLE) is yet unknown. In our study, Shikonin significantly reversed the cognitive impairment and alleviated the brain tissue damage in NPSLE mice. The permeability of blood-brain barrier was also verified to be repaired in Shikonin-treated NPSLE mice. In particular, we found that Shikonin alleviated neuroinflammation through inhibiting β-catenin signaling pathway, thereby depressing the activation of microglia and the loss of neuronal synapses. Overall, Shikonin may be a promising candidate drug for NPSLE through diminishing neuroinflammation and repairing neuron damage. [Display omitted] •Intraperitoneal injection of Shikonin treated cognitive dysfunction, neuronal damage in NPSLE.•Shikonin relieved the progression of NPSLE by suppressing neuroinflammation.•Shikonin inhibited the activation of microglia in NPSLE mice.•Shikonin repaired the loss of neuronal synapses in NPSLE mice.