• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.23 no.9
• /
• pp.1140-1146
• /
• 2013

The effect of dried mackerel extract on the production of nitric oxide (NO) and cytokines, including interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$ (TNF-${\alpha}$), and interferon-${\gamma}$ (IFN-${\gamma}$), was investigated. All extracts and fractions from dried mackerel significantly reduced NO production induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Among the extracts, acetone+methylene chloride (A+M), n-hexane, and 85% aqueous methanol (MeOH) showed the strongest inhibitory effects. The 85% aqueous MeOH fraction at a concentration of $10{\mu}g$ significantly decreased LPS-induced IL-6 and TNF-${\alpha}$ production after 6 hr of incubation. In the case of LPS-induced IFN-${\gamma}$ production, the 85% aqueous MeOH fraction decreased the production of IFN-${\gamma}$ afer 6, 24, and 72 hr of incubation in a dose-dependent manner. The results show that an 85% aqueous MeOH fraction inhibits the production of NO and proinflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-${\alpha}$, IFN-${\gamma}$), suggesting that this fraction acts as a potent immunomodulator.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
• /
• v.1 no.2
• /
• pp.126-134
• /
• 2001

Background : Paeonia japonica Miyabe is a medicinal plant which has been widely used as a component of blood-building decoctions (Chinese medicinal concept : Bu-Xie). The immunopharmacological characteristics of the extract of Paeonia japonica (PJ) were investigated. Methods : The effects of fractions of PJ extract on lymphocyte proliferation were measured by $H^3$-thymidine incorporation assay. The proliferated lymphocyte subsets were analyzed in flow cytometry. The subset cell populations of spleen cells were separated by magnetic cell separation system, and their proliferation by the extract were investigated. The effect of the extract on antibody production was determined in mice challenged with sheep red blood cells (SRBC) using hemolytic plaque forming cell assay. Results : Spleen cells were proliferated by water extract of PJ. Polysaccharide fraction (PJ-P) of the extract was most active in the proliferation. It was found in flow cytometry that the lymphocyte subset proliferated by PJ-P was B cell population. Among the separated subset cell populations, T cell-depleted cell population and macrophage-depleted cell population were most proliferated by PJ-P. However, positively selected populations of B cells and T cells were not proliferated by PJ-P. These results indicate that B cell proliferation by PJ-P may require the assistance of macrophages or T cells. These results suggest that firstly PJ-P may stimulate macrophages or T cells, and then B cells are activated. The number of antibody-secreting cells was increased by administration of PJ-P in mice immunized with SRBC as a T-dependent antigen. Conclusion : These results suggest that macrophages and accessory cells are directly activated by PJ-P and then helper T cells and B cells are indirectly activated. As the results, immune responses might be coordinately improved. In conclusion, PJ-P, a polysaccharide of P. japonica, may be a characteristic immunostimulator, which is analogous to polysaccharides such as lentinan, PSK and ginsan.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
• /
• v.33 no.3
• /
• pp.469-474
• /
• 2004

The objective of the current study was to determine the effects of arabinoxylane and polysaccharide peptide (PSP) on the immune cell functions. Both arabinoxylane and PSP increased plaque forming cell (10-15%) and rosette forming cell (10-30%) formation. Stimulation of macrophage with PSP (18%) and arabinoxylane (22%) resulted in increased phagocytic effects. Both arabinoxylane and PSP induced the tumor suppressive effect in mice injected sarcoma-180 cell intracutaneously. When the mice injected intraperitoneal cavity with sarcoma 180 cells, survival ratio was increased in the mice fed on arabinoxylane and PSP. The ratio of PCA was slightly decreased in the mice fed on PSP, especially fed on arabinoxylane than in the control mice. The concentrations of blood histamine were slightly decreased in the mice fed on arabinoxylane and PSP. These results suggest that the capacity of arabinoxylane and PSP seems to act as a potent immunomodulator causing augmentation of immune cell activity, and with the absence of notable side-effects, arabinoxylane and PSP could be used as a biological response modifier having possible therapeutic effects against immunological disorders.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
• /
• v.33 no.2
• /
• pp.278-286
• /
• 2004

The objective of the current study was to determine the effects of arabinoxylane and PSP on mouse splenocytes, T cells, B cells and macrophages in vitro. Arabinoxylane and PSP directly induced the proliferation of spleen cells in a dose-dependent manner and increased IFN-${\gamma}$ synthesis. Especially, PSP induced IL-2, IL-4 and IL-10 production, Both arabinoxylane and PSP increased PFC (plaque forming cell) and RFC (rosette forming cell) formation. Arabinoxylane was not induced the proliferation of T cells, but PSP directly induced the proliferation of T cells in a high dose. Arabinoxylane and PSP increased the proliferation of B cells and the phagocytic effects of macrophage. When arabinoxylane and PSP were used in macrophage cell line stimulation, there was a marked induction of NO synthesis in a dose-dependent and an increased TNF-$\alpha$ and IL-6 synthesis. Especially, PSP also induced IL-1$\beta$ production. When arabinoxylane and PSP treated in macrophage cell line, there was induction of MHC class II expression. These results suggest that the capacity of arabinoxylane andPSP seem to act as a potent immunomodulator causing augmentation of immune cell activity, and with the absence of notable side-effects, arabinoxylane and PSP could be used as a biological response modifier having possible therapeutic effects against immunological disorders.

• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.22 no.6
• /
• pp.828-836
• /
• 2012

The objective of the current study was to determine the effects of the extracts isolated from the fruit body of Flammulina velutipes cultivated with oriental herbal plants on mouse splenocytes, B cells, and macrophages in vitro. The ethanol extracts B (EEB) directly induced the proliferation of spleen cells in a dose-dependent manner and increased IL-6, TNF-${\alpha}$, and IFN-${\gamma}$ synthesis. The EEB also increased the proliferation of B cells in a dose-dependent manner. The production of immunoglobulin M, G1, G2a, G2b, and IgG3 in the presence of the EEB increased progressively in the culture supernatant. When the EEB were used in macrophage cell line (RAW264.7) stimulation, there was a marked induction of NO synthesis in a dose-dependent manner and an increased IL-6, TNF-${\alpha}$, and GM-CSF synthesis. Intraperitoneal injection with EBB showed life prolongation effect of 16.1% in mice previously inoculated with sarcoma-180, respectively. These results suggest that the capacity of the EEB isolated from the fruit body of Flammulina velutipes cultivated with oriental herbal plants seems to act as a potent immunomodulator causing augmentation of immune cell activity, and with the absence of notable side-effects, Flammulina velutipes EEB could be used as a biological response modifier having possible therapeutic effects against immunological disorders. This study also showed that functional components of Flammulina velutipes were possibly improved by incorporating oriental herbal plants in a growth medium.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
• /
• v.14 no.1
• /
• pp.129-153
• /
• 2001

Background: SMG (升麻葛根湯加味方) is an herbal medicine which has been used in oriental medicine as a traditional therapeutic agent of pruritus and skin disease. Objective: This study was performed to investigate the effect of SMG on the anti-hypersensitivity and immune response in the murine of type I hypersensitivity induced by the experiment. Materials and Methods: Laboratory rats were primary sensitized with OA (ovalbumin); on day 1, rats of a Control group and Sample group (SMG group) were systemically immunized by subcutaneous injection of 1mg OA and 300mg of Al(OH)3 in a total volume of 2ml saline. The rats of the sample group were orally administered with an SMG water extract for 14 days after primary immunization. On day 14 after the systemic immunization, rats received local immunization by inhaling $0.9\%$ saline aerosol containing $2\%$(wt/vol) OA. A day after local immunization, BAL fluid and peripheral blood were collected from the rats. Total cell, lymphocyte, $CD4^+\;T\;cell,\;CD8^+\;T\;cell,\;CD4^+/CD8^+$ ratio in the BALF, and IgE, $CD4^+\;T\;cell,\;CD8^+$ T cell in the peripheral blood were measured and evaluated. Results: SMG showed a suppressive effect on the immune response in the rats. 1. Total Cells in the BALF decreased in the SMG treated group in comparison group, but statistic differences were not observed. 2. Total lymphocytes in the BALF were statistically decreased in SMG treated group in comparison to the control group. 3. CD4+ T cells in the BALF were statistically decreased in SMG treated group in comparison to the control group. 4. CD8+ T cells in the BALF were decreased in SMG treated group in comparison to the control group, but statistic differences were not observed. 5. The ratio of CD4+/CD8+ in the BALF was statistically decreased in SMG treated group in comparison to the control group. 6. The IgE level in serum was statistically decreased in SMG treated group in comparison to the control group. 7. The ratio of CD4+ and CD8+ in peripheral blood showed undetectable differences between each group of rats. From the experiment cited above, this study shows that SMG has both anti-hypersensitivity effects and immunoregulatory effects when administered to rats. Based on this experiment, it is suggested that SMG could be a useful immunomodulator and anti-allergy agent.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
• /
• v.33 no.7
• /
• pp.1085-1091
• /
• 2004

Bu-Zhong-Yi-Qi- Tang extracts is a traditional oriental medicine in a mixture type exhibiting strong anti-bacterial, analgesic, and chemopreventive activities. In this study, we have evaluated effects of the total and polysaccharide fraction of Bu-Zhong-Yi-Qi- Tang extracts on the T cell proliferation, cytokine production, and induction of IL-2 receptor and MHC class n. For this experiment, we established CD4$^{＋}$ CD8$^{[-10]}$ T cell line producing IL-2 and IFN-${\gamma}$ when stimulated with ovalbumin antigen in the presence of antigen presenting cells. The significant effect of Bu-Zhong-Yi-Qi-Tang on antigen-induced T cell proliferation in the presence of antigen presenting cells was observed. The proliferation and IFN-${\gamma}$ production of T cells was increased in a dose dependent manner, and expression of IL-2 receptor on T cells and MHC class n molecule on antigen presenting cells was also induced in the presence of Bu-Zhong-Yi-Qi-Tang polysaccharide fraction. It was demonstrated that polysaccharide fraction of Bu-Zhong-Yi-Qi-Tang stimulates the antigen-induced T cell proliferation and the production of IFN-${\gamma}$ possibly through the increase of IL-2 receptor and MHC class n expression. Therefore Bu-Zhong-Yi-Qi-Tang can be regarded as a natural and useful immunomodulator having a relatively nonotoxic property. Further studies are needed to better characterize the nature of Bu-Zhong- Yi-Qi-Tang extract.

• KOREAN JOURNAL OF CROP SCIENCE
• /
• v.56 no.4
• /
• pp.420-426
• /
• 2011

Rice bran is by-product from the dehulling process of rice, an important staple food in Korea. Various studies have been reported immune-enhancing effects of rice bran cultured with Lentinus edodes. In particular black rice bran that contains anthocyanin has the beneficial effects on immune system. SuperC3GHi, a recently released black colored rice cultivar, has higher contents of cyanidine-3-glucoside (C3G), a strong antioxidant than those of currently cultivated black rice cultivars. In this study, we investigate the beneficial effects of fermented SuperC3GHi rice bran (C3G-F) with Lentinus edodes. Using in vivo and in vitro model for inflammation and allgergy, anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effects of C3G-F were determined. C3G-F induced tumor suppressive effect on Sarcoma-180 cell and B16 melanoma cell injected to mice. These results suggest that the capacity of C3G-F seems to act as a potent immunomodulator and with the absence of notable side-effects, C3G-F could be used as a novel functional food ingredient having possible therapeutic effects against immunological disorders.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
• /
• v.36 no.4
• /
• pp.343-352
• /
• 2008

Frankincense, the gum resin derived from Boswellia species, is complex mixtures composed of about $5{\sim}9%$ highly aromatic essential oil, $65{\sim}85%$ alcohol-soluble resins, and the remaining water-soluble gums. The anti-inflammatory properties of frankincense, alcohole-soluble resins, are well-recognized, but the question of whether aromatic essential oil also plays a role in the allergic asthma remains unanswered. This study was performed to evaluate anti-inflammatory effects of Boswellia sacra essential oil (BSEO) on ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthma mouse model. BALB/c mice after intraperitoneal OVA sensitization were challenged with intratracheal OVA. One experimental group was inhaled with 0.3% BSEO for the later 8 weeks. BALB/c mice were sensitized and challenged with OVA and developed airway eosinophilia, mucus hypersecretion, and airway hyperresponsiveness. In contrast, the BSEO treated mice had reduced a number of eosinophils among BALF cells, goblet cell hyperplasia, and airway hyperresponsiveness. Cytokine analysis of BALF revealed that BSEO caused an increase in Th1 cytokine (interferon-$\gamma$ (IFN-$\gamma$)) and a decrease in Th2 cytokines (interleukin-4 (IL-4), IL-5 and IL-13) levels. In addition, the OVA-specific serum IgE and eotaxin levels were also reduced. In mice inhaled BSEO, $CD4^+$, $CD3^+/CCR3^+$, and $B220^+/CD23^+$ mediastinal lymph nodes cells were also decreased. These results suggest that inhaled BSEO as a immunomodulator in Th1/Th2 mediated asthma may have therapeutic potential for the treatment in allergic airway inflammation by a simple, cost-effective way.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
• /
• v.9 no.2
• /
• pp.129-136
• /
• 2015

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: A variety of immunomodulators can improve the efficacy of low-dose chemotherapeutics. Active hexose correlated compound (AHCC), a mushroom mycelia extract, has been shown to be a strong immunomodulator. Whether AHCC could enhance the antitumor effect of low-dose 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) via regulation of host immunity is unknown. MATERIALS/METHODS: In the current study Hepatoma 22 (H22) tumor-bearing mice were treated with PBS, 5-FU ($10mg{\cdot}kg^{-1}{\cdot}d^{-1}$, i.p), or AHCC ($360mg{\cdot}kg^{-1}{\cdot}d^{-1}$, i.g) plus 5-FU, respectively, for 5 d. $CD^{3+}$, $CD^{4+}$, $CD^{8+}$, and NK in peripheral blood were detected by flow cytometry. ALT, AST, BUN, and Cr levels were measured by biochemical assay. IL-2 and $TNF{\alpha}$ in serum were measured using the RIA kit and apoptosis of tumor was detected by TUNEL staining. Bax, Bcl-2, and TS protein levels were measured by immunohistochemical staining and mRNA level was evaluated by RT-PCR. RESULTS: Diet consumption and body weight showed that AHCC had no apparent toxicity. AHCC could reverse liver injury and myelosuppression induced by 5-FU (P < 0.05). Compared to mice treated with 5-FU, mice treated with AHCC plus 5-FU had higher thymus index, percentages of $CD^{3+}$, $CD^{4+}$, and NK cells (P < 0.01), and ratio of $CD^{4+}$/$CD^{8+}$ (P < 0.01) in peripheral blood. Radioimmunoassay showed that mice treated with AHCC plus 5-FU had the highest serum levels of IL-2 and $TNF{\alpha}$ compared with the vehicle group and 5-FU group. More importantly, the combination of AHCC and 5-FU produced a more potent antitumor effect (P < 0.05) and caused more severe apoptosis in tumor tissue (P < 0.05) compared with the 5-FU group. In addition, the combination of AHCC and 5-FU further up-regulated the expression of Bcl-2 associated X protein (Bax) (P < 0.01), while it down-regulated the expression of B cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: These results support the claim that AHCC might be beneficial for cancer patients receiving chemotherapy.