Inflammation in macrophages is exacerbated under hyperglycemic conditions, contributing to chronic inflammation and impaired wound healing in diabetes. This study investigates the potential of mangiferin, a natural polyphenol, to alleviate this inflammatory response by targeting a redox-sensitive transcription factor, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2). Mangiferin, a known Nrf2 activator, was evaluated for its ability to counteract the hyperglycemia-induced inhibition of Nrf2 and enhance antioxidant defenses. The protective effects of mangiferin on macrophages in a hyperglycemic environment were assessed by examining the expression of Nrf2, NF-κB, NLRP3, HO-1, CAT, COX-2, IL-6, and IL-10 through gene and protein expression analyses using qPCR and immunoblotting, respectively. The mangiferin-mediated nuclear translocation of Nrf2 was evidenced, leading to a robust antioxidant response in macrophages exposed to a hyperglycemic microenvironment. This activation suppressed NF-κB signaling, reducing the expression of pro-inflammatory mediators such as COX-2 and IL-6. Additionally, mangiferin decreased NLRP3 inflammasome activation and reactive oxygen species accumulation in hyperglycemia exposed macrophages. Our findings revealed that mangiferin alleviated hyperglycemia-induced reductions in AKT phosphorylation, highlighting its potential role in modulating key signaling pathways. Furthermore, mangiferin significantly enhanced the invasiveness and migration of macrophages in a hyperglycemic environment, indicating its potential to improve wound healing. In conclusion, this study suggests that mangiferin may offer a promising therapeutic approach for managing inflammation and promoting wound healing in diabetic patients by regulating Nrf2 activity in hyperglycemia-induced macrophages.
Keywords: Nrf2 activation; antioxidant response; inflammation; macrophages; mangiferin.