Abstract
BackgroundPearl millet (PM), i.e., Pennisetum glaucum, is widely grown in Africa and known for its anti-oxidant and anti-hyperlipidemic properties.MethodsThe P. glaucum grains were obtained from the region of Ouled Aïssa (South of Algeria). We assessed the effects of phenolic compounds and lipids, extracted from seeds of P. glaucum, on rat lymphocyte proliferation, activated by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate and ionomycin. In order to explore signaling pathway, triggered by these compounds, we assessed interleukin-2 (IL-2) mRNA expression and extracellular signal-regulated kinase-1/2 (ERK1/ERK2) phosphorylation. Finally, we determined increases in free intracellular Ca2+ concentrations, [Ca2+]i, by employing Fura-2/AM in rat lymphocytes.ResultsThe composition of P. glaucum grains in polyphenols was estimated to be 1660 µg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g. Lipids represented 4.5 %, and more than 72% of the fatty acids belonged to unsaturated family. Our investigation showed that both lipid and phenolic compounds inhibited mitogen-induced T-cell proliferation. Compared with phenolic compounds, lipids exerted weaker effects on ERK-1/ERK2 phosphorylation and Ca2+ signaling in mitogen-activated T-cells.ConclusionWe conclude that the immunomodulatory effects of P. glaucum could be contributed by its phenolic and lipid contents.
Highlights
Pearl millet (PM), i.e., Pennisetum glaucum, is widely grown in Africa and known for its anti-oxidant and anti-hyperlipidemic properties
Phenolic acid and lipid composition of PM grains The total content of phenolic compounds in PM grains was estimated to be 1660 μg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g
Pennisetum glaucum lipids (PGL) and Pennisetum glaucum phenolic compounds (PGPC) decrease IL-2 mRNA expression Our results show that PGL and PGPC exerted no effect on basal expression of IL-2 mRNA in splenic T-cells
Summary
Pearl millet (PM), i.e., Pennisetum glaucum, is widely grown in Africa and known for its anti-oxidant and anti-hyperlipidemic properties. Millet refers to a number of Millet grains have been shown to exert beneficial effects in health and disease [4,5,6]. Lee et al [4] reported that foxtail and proso millet decreased plasma triglycerides in hyperlipidemic rats. Shobana et al [5] reported that feeding a diet containing 20 % finger millet decreased hyperglycemia and its associated complications in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Finger millet exerted anti-hyperglycemic effects in diabetic patients [6]. The beneficial effects of pearl millet (PM) have not been well studied except a few available reports that have shown anti-oxidant activity because of its high contents in polyphenols [7]
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