Tibolone Reduces Oxidative Damage and Inflammation in Microglia Stimulated with Palmitic Acid through Mechanisms Involving Estrogen Receptor Beta

High concentrations of palmitic acid in plasma increase both the inflammation associated with obesity and the susceptibility to develop a neurodegenerative event. In the brain, the inflammatory response is mediated by activated microglial cells, which undergo morphological and biochemical changes and can directly affect cell viability. Recent evidence shows that the use of estrogenic compounds can control microglia-induced inflammation with promising results. In this study, we explored the actions of the synthetic steroid tibolone on BV-2 microglia cells stimulated with palmitic acid. Our results demonstrated that tibolone increased cell viability and reduced nuclear fragmentation and the production of reactive oxygen species, as well as preserved mitochondrial membrane potential. These effects were accompanied by reduced nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65, upregulation of neuroglobin, and improved antioxidant defense. Furthermore, estrogen receptor beta (ERβ) inhibition partially dampened tibolone’s protective actions in BV-2 cells stimulated with palmitic acid. In conclusion, tibolone protects BV-2 cells by a mechanism involving ERβ and upregulation of neuroglobin.