Progesterone Receptor Membrane Component 1 Regulates Cellular Stress Responses and Inflammatory Pathways in Chronic Neuroinflammatory Conditions

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the leading cause of dementia and is one of the neurodegenerative diseases that are caused by neuronal death due to various triggers. Neuroinflammation plays a critical role in the development of AD. The neuroinflammatory response is manifested by pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α; various chemokines; nitrous oxide; and reactive oxygen species. In this study, we evaluated the relevance of progesterone receptor membrane component 1 (PGRMC1), which is expressed in the brain cells during the induction of neuroinflammation. A lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced chronic neuroinflammation model and Pgrmc1 knockdown cells were used to assess the inflammatory cytokine levels, AD-related factors, inflammation-related signaling, and cell death. Pgrmc1 knockout (KO) mice had higher IL-1β levels after treatment with LPS compared with those of wild-type (WT) mice. Furthermore, Pgrmc1 KO mice had higher levels of inflammatory factors, endoplasmic reticulum stress indicators, and AD-associated markers compared with those of WT mice who underwent LPS treatment or not. Finally, these indicators were observed in vitro using U373-MG astrocytes. In conclusion, the loss of PGRMC1 may promote neuroinflammation and lead to AD.