Abstract
Extracts of the vine-like plant Tripterygium wilfordii (TW) have been widely used in China as an immunosuppressant and anti-inflammatory drug for the treatments of rheumatoid arthritis, lupus erythematosus and other inflammatory disorders. In this study the molecular mechanisms of action of three TW extracts (ethanol, aqueous, polysaccharide) on the expression of inflammatory cytokines and adhesion molecules were investigated by RT-PCR and immunofluorescence binding techniques. The lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-mediated stimulatory effects of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) cytokine production and cell adhesion molecule (CD11c, CD18, CD14, CD54) expression in human monocytic THP-1 cells were modulated by treatments of the TW extracts or tacrolimus (FK506). The TW polysaccharide moiety exhibited more profound immunosuppressive properties than the aqueous and ethanol extracts. Biochemical characterization of the polysaccharide moiety revealed a major molecular weight of 22 kDa (viz. PSP22). The PSP22 was found to be a potential immunosuppressant that manifests the necessary immunomodulating properties.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.