Abstract
Purpose: To evaluate the effect of Lycium barbarum polysaccharide (LBP) on apoptosis in Mycoplasma -infected splenic lymphocytes (SLs), and the underlying mechanisms. Methods: SLs isolated from C57BL/6J mice were infected with Mycoplasma . The infected SLs were administered at different concentrations of LBP for 4 h, and the proportions of apoptotic cells and levels of relative reactive oxygen species (ROS) were determined by flow cytometry. The expressions of proapoptotic genes and endogenous antioxidant enzymes were investigated by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blotting. Results: LBP treatment produced dose-dependent reductions in apoptotic ratio and intracellular ROS levels of SLs ( p < 0.05). In addition, the expressions of pro-apoptotic genes were decreased by LBP treatment with respect to mRNA and protein levels ( p < 0.05). In contrast, mRNA and protein levels of anti-apoptotic factor Bcl-2 were significantly increased in a dose-dependent manner ( p < 0.05). Furthermore, RT-PCR and Western blot results demonstrated that the expression levels of mRNA and proteins in Nrf2, HO-1 and NQO1 were up-regulated by Mycoplasma infection ( p < 0.01), and further increased by LBP treatment ( p < 0.05). Conclusion: LBP exerts a hyperactive antioxidant response encoded by Nrf2 to protect SLs from apoptosis induced by ROS-related oxidative damage after Mycoplasma infection. These results suggest that LBP may serve as a beneficial and dietary anti- Mycoplasma and anti-apoptotic agent. Keywords: Lycium barbarum polysaccharide, Splenic lymphocytes, ROS, Caspase-3, Bax, Nrf2
Highlights
Mycoplasma has significant impacts on many human diseases [1]
When the Lycium barbarum polysaccharide (LBP) concentration reached 400 μg/mL, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were significantly decreased when compared to the MP group (p < 0.05, Figure 2)
These results indicate that ROS clearance may be a mechanism involved in the protective effect of LBP on the apoptosis of mycoplasma-infected splenic lymphocytes (SLs)
Summary
Mycoplasma has significant impacts on many human diseases [1]. Immune responses are believed to play roles in protection from Mycoplasma diseases [1]. Studies have shown that Lycium barbarum polysaccharide (LBP), a major active component of Lycium barbarum, attenuates cytotoxicity, lowers blood glucose, enhances immunity, and possesses anti-cancer properties [3,4,5]. Enhanced or inhibited apoptosis in lymphocyte can lead to immunodeficiency or autoimmunity, or lymphoma [6]. LBP plays an important role in lymphocyte proliferation and cytokine production [7,8]. A recent study reported that LBP has beneficial effects on spermatogenesis through regulation of apoptosis and antioxidant activity in diabetic male mice [9]. Little is known about the effect of LBP on apoptosis in lymphocytes
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