Activated microglia decrease histone acetylation and Nrf2-inducible anti-oxidant defence in astrocytes: Restoring effects of inhibitors of HDACs, p38 MAPK and GSK3β

► We evaluated the effects of activated microglia on the inducible anti-oxidant system and histone acetylation in astrocytes. ► Activated microglia decreased the levels of acetylated histones and decreased components of the astroglial antioxidant system. ► Inhibitors of p38 MAPK and GSK3β elevated the depressed antioxidant system together with an elevated acetylation of histones. ► HDAC inhibitors also restored the inducible antioxidant system and conferred protection against oxidative stress. ► Activated microglia depress the astroglial antioxidant system via epigenetic mechanisms via activation of p38 MAPK and GSK3β.