Gene Expression Profiling and Epigenetic Alterations in RAW 264.7 Cells Following Treatment with Lipopolysaccharide and Methylcobalamin (MCB) [RNA-seq]

Methylcobalamin (MCB), an active form of Vitamin B12, demonstrates significant anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties by modulating pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 (Chopra et al., 2013; Scalabrino et al., 2019). This modulation could potentially ameliorate the hyperinflammatory response known as the "cytokine storm" observed in COVID-19 patients, thereby reducing severity and improving clinical outcomes (Tanaka et al., 2020; Scalabrino, 2005). Beyond its immunomodulatory effects, methylcobalamin supports neuronal health, a critical factor given the neurological complications associated with COVID-19 (Scalabrino et al., 2017; Zhu et al., 2021). Although further clinical trials are necessary to confirm its efficacy, methylcobalamin presents a promising adjunctive therapy for managing the inflammatory and neurological symptoms of COVID-19. However, the precise molecular mechanisms underlying MCB's anti-inflammatory effects remain to be fully elucidated. In this study, we aim to investigate the transcriptional and epigenetic mechanisms through which MCB functions as an anti-inflammatory agent.