Phagocytosis Of Peritoneal Macrophages Research Articles

CRH knockout inhibits the murine innate immune responses in association with endoplasmic reticulum stress after thermal injury

Previous studies in our laboratory have demonstrated the hypothalamus destruction and adrenalectomy could blunt the innate immunity while boosting the excessive inflammation after injury. We aimed to investigate the effects of corticotrophin-releasing hormone knockout (CRH KO) on the innate immune responses in macrophages as well as to elucidate the underlying mechanism. The chemotaxis and phagocytosis activities of macrophages, bacteria translocation, plasma tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α secretion, and intestinal injury were observed in the presence of the endoplasmic reticulum stress after thermal injury in CRH KO mice. Meanwhile, the messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein expression of glucose response protein 78 (GRP78), X-box binding protein 1 (XBP1), and activating transcription factor 6 (ATF6) in macrophages was also determined. After thermal injury, the chemotaxis and phagocytosis of peritoneal macrophages were increased, which were both reversed by CRH gene deficiency. The gut-derived bacteria translocation to liver tissues, lung tissues and mesenteric lymph nodes was significantly strengthened in CRH KO mice compared with CRH wild-type littermates. Circulating TNF-α level was increased markedly in response to thermal injury and CRH KO further increased its secretion. Furthermore, the mRNA and protein levels of GRP78, XBP1, and ATF6 in peritoneal macrophages increased, while their expressions in CRH KO mice all decreased significantly. CRH KO mice showed enhancement of inflammatory responses and severe tissue injuries after thermal injury. CRH exerted immune defensive actions on immune cells and organs in the early phase of injury, suggesting that the underlying mechanisms are related to endoplasmic reticulum stress.

Ophiopogon polysaccharide liposome can enhance the non-specific and specific immune response in chickens.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the immune-enhancing activity of ophiopogon polysaccharide liposome (OPL). In non-specific immune response experiment, the phagocytosis and cytokines secretion of peritoneal macrophages in vitro and in vivo were performed. In specific immune response experiment, the activity of OPL was measured on chickens which were vaccinated with Newcastle disease (ND) vaccine and then challenged with ND virus at 49-old-day. The results showed that OPL could significantly promote the phagocytosis of macrophages and induce the secretion of IL-2 and IL-6 in vitro; OPL at high and medium doses could significantly improve the phagocytosic index, promote lymphocyte proliferation, increase the proportion of T lymphocyte subpopulations (CD4(+) and CD8(+)), enhance antibody titer and improve the protective rate in vivo. Moreover, its efficacy was significantly better than ophiopogon polysaccharide (OP). These results indicated that the immune-enhancing activity of OP was significantly improved after encapsulated with liposome.

Optimization on conditions of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides liposome by RSM and its effects on the peritoneal macrophages function

The purpose of this study was to optimize the preparation conditions of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides liposome (LBPL) by response surface methodology (RSM) and to investigate the effect of LBPL activating function of peritoneal macrophages. LBPL was prepared using the reverse-phase evaporation method. The optimal preparation conditions of LBPL by RSM were as follows: the ratio of lipid to drug (w/w) of 25:1, the ultrasound time of 14min and the ratio of soybean phospholipids to cholesterol (w/w) of 2.4:1. Under these conditions, the experimental encapsulation efficiency of LBPL was 86.37±0.63%, which was close to the predicted value. These indicated that LBPL with high entrapping efficiency and small particle size could be prepared by the reverse-phase evaporation method, which is applied easily. Furthermore, macrophages are the key players in the innate immune system. LBPL could effectively enhance peritoneal macrophages phagocytosis and resulted in inducing NO (nitric oxide) production in mouse peritoneal macrophages.

Mast cells aggravate sepsis by inhibiting peritoneal macrophage phagocytosis.

Controlling the overwhelming inflammatory reaction associated with polymicrobial sepsis remains a prevalent clinical challenge with few treatment options. In septic peritonitis, blood neutrophils and monocytes are rapidly recruited into the peritoneal cavity to control infection, but the role of resident sentinel cells during the early phase of infection is less clear. In particular, the influence of mast cells on other tissue-resident cells remains poorly understood. Here, we developed a mouse model that allows both visualization and conditional ablation of mast cells and basophils to investigate the role of mast cells in severe septic peritonitis. Specific depletion of mast cells led to increased survival rates in mice with acute sepsis. Furthermore, we determined that mast cells impair the phagocytic action of resident macrophages, thereby allowing local and systemic bacterial proliferation. Mast cells did not influence local recruitment of neutrophils and monocytes or the release of inflammatory cytokines. Phagocytosis inhibition by mast cells involved their ability to release prestored IL-4 within 15 minutes after bacterial encounter, and treatment with an IL-4-neutralizing antibody prevented this inhibitory effect and improved survival of septic mice. Our study uncovers a local crosstalk between mast cells and macrophages during the early phase of sepsis development that aggravates the outcome of severe bacterial infection.

Long-term cannabinoid type 2 receptor agonist therapy decreases bacterial translocation in rats with cirrhosis and ascites

Intestinal hyperpermeability, impaired peritoneal macrophages (PMs) phagocytosis, and bacterial translocation (BT), resulting in increased systemic and local infection/inflammation such as spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) together with increased tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) levels, are all implicated in the pathogenesis of cirrhosis-related complications. Manipulation of the cannabinoid receptors (CB1R and CB2R), which are expressed on the gut mucosa and PMs, has been reported to modulate intestinal inflammation and systemic inflammatory cytokine release. Our study aims to explore the effects of chronic CB1R/CB2R agonist/antagonist treatments on relevant abnormalities in cirrhotic ascitic rats. Vehicle, archidonyl-2-chloroethylamide (ACEA, CB1R agonist), JWH133 (CB2R agonist), and AM630 (CB2R antagonist) were given to thioacetamide (TAA) and common bile duct ligation (BDL) cirrhotic rats with ascites for two weeks and various measurement were performed. Compared to sham rats, CB2Rs were downregulated in cirrhotic rat intestines and PMs. The two-week JWH133 treatment significantly decreased systemic/intestinal oxidative stress, TNFα and inflammatory mediators, infection, intestinal mucosal damage and hyperpermeability; the JWH133 treatment also decreased bacterial overgrowth/adhesion, BT and SBP, upregulated intestinal tight junctions and downregulated the PM TNFα receptor/NFκBp65 protein expression in cirrhotic rats. Acute and chronic JWH133 treatment corrected the TNFα-induced suppression of phagocytosis of cirrhotic rat PMs, which then could be reversed by concomitant AM630 treatment. Our study suggests that CB2R agonists have the potential to treat BT and various relevant abnormalities through inhibition of systemic/intestinal oxidative stress, inflammatory cytokines and TNFα release in cirrhosis. Overall, the chronic CB2R agonist treatment affects multiple approach mechanisms, and its direct effect on the hyperdynamic circulation is only minor.

Bioactive components on immuno-enhancement effects in the traditional Chinese medicine Shenqi Fuzheng Injection based on relevance analysis between chemical HPLC fingerprints and in vivo biological effects

Ethnopharmacological relevanceShenqi Fuzheng Injection (SFI) is an injectable traditional Chinese herbal formula comprised of two Chinese herbs, Radix codonopsis and Radix astragali, which were commonly used to improve immune functions against chronic diseases in an integrative and holistic way in China and other East Asian countries for thousands of years. Materials and methodsThis present study was designed to explore the bioactive components on immuno-enhancement effects in SFI using the relevance analysis between chemical fingerprints and biological effects in vivo. According to a four-factor, nine-level uniform design, SFI samples were prepared with different proportions of the four portions separated from SFI via high speed counter current chromatography (HSCCC). SFI samples were assessed with high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for 23 identified components. For the immunosuppressed murine experiments, biological effects in vivo were evaluated on spleen index (E1), peripheral white blood cell counts (E2), bone marrow cell counts (E3), splenic lymphocyte proliferation (E4), splenic natural killer cell activity (E5), peritoneal macrophage phagocytosis (E6) and the amount of interleukin-2 (E7). Based on the hypothesis that biological effects in vivo varied with differences in components, multivariate relevance analysis, including gray relational analysis (GRA), multi-linear regression analysis (MLRA) and principal component analysis (PCA), were performed to evaluate the contribution of each identified component. ResultsThe results indicated that the bioactive components of SFI on immuno-enhancement activities were calycosin-7-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (P9), isomucronulatol-7,2′-di-O-glucoside (P11), biochanin-7-glucoside (P12), 9,10-dimethoxypterocarpan-3-O-xylosylglucoside (P15) and astragaloside IV (P20), which might have positive effects on spleen index (E1), splenic lymphocyte proliferation (E4), splenic natural killer cell activity (E5), peritoneal macrophage phagocytosis (E6) and the amount of interleukin-2 (E7), while 5-hydroxymethyl-furaldehyde (P5) and lobetyolin (P13) might have negative effects on E1, E4, E5, E6 and E7. Finally, the bioactive HPLC fingerprint of SFI based on its bioactive components on immuno-enhancement effects was established for quality control of SFI. ConclusionsIn summary, this study provided a perspective to explore the bioactive components in a traditional Chinese herbal formula with a series of HPLC and animal experiments, which would be helpful to improve quality control and inspire further clinical studies of traditional Chinese medicines.

Enhancement of phagocytosis and cytotoxicity in macrophages by tumor-derived IL-18 stimulation

Inoculation of mice with the murine NFSA cell line caused the formation of large tumors with necrotic tumor cores. FACS analysis revealed accumulations of CD11b+ cells in the tumors. Microarray analysis indicated that the NFSA cells expressed a high level of the pro-inflammatory factor interleukin-18 (il-18), which is known to play a critical role in macrophages. However, little is known about the physiological function of IL-18-stimulated macrophages. Here, we provide direct evidence that IL-18 enhances the phagocytosis of RAW264 cells and peritoneal macrophages, accompanied by the increased expression of tumor necrosis factor (tnf-α), interleukin-6 (il-6) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (Nos2). IL-18-stimulated RAW264 cells showed an enhanced cytotoxicity to endothelial F-2 cells via direct cell-to-cell interaction and the secretion of soluble mediators. Taken together, our results demonstrate that tumor-derived IL-18 plays an important role in the phagocytosis of macrophages and that IL-18-stimulated macrophages may damage tumor endothelial cells. [BMB Reports 2014; 47(5): 286-291]

Probiotic technological and functional characteristics of Lactobacillus strains isolated from chicken gut

Lactobacillus spp. isolated from different portions of chickens' gastrointestinal tract were evaluated concerning their ability to survive in a water-in-oil (W/0) emulsion containing sesame and sunflower oil. After sixty days of emulsion storage under refrigeration, three of five strains tested survived in number equal to or higher than 10(6)cfu/g. Lactobacillus reuteri 2M14C, which presented the highest survival in W/O emulsion (10(7)cfu/g), was tested for its capacity to resist throughout the passage through gnotobiotic mice gastrointestinal tract and for the ability to stimulate murine peritoneal macrophages phagocytosis. This strain remained at a number above 10(9)cfu/g feces during ten days of monoassociation, and monoassociated mice showed phagocytic activity significantly greater than the germ-free controls (P<0.05). The results suggest that the formulation can be used to incorporate viable Lactobacillus spp. cells in animal feed. Moreover, the results suggest that L. reuteri 2M14C is a strong candidate to be incorporated in probiotic formulations for use in chicken.

Brazilian green propolis improves immune function in aged mice.

Aging weakened innate and adaptive immunity both quantitatively and qualitatively. Some components in propolis could stimulate immune function in young animals or cultured immune cells in vitro. Few studies had been carried out in the aged. The present study was to evaluate the effects of Brazilian green propolis supplementation on the immunological parameters in aged mice. Eighty Kunming mice, aged 15–18 months, were randomly assigned to the control and three experimental groups supplemented with different doses (83.3, 157.4 and 352.9 mg/kg.bw respectively) of Brazilian green propolis. The experiment lasted for 4 weeks. Contents of total polyphenol, flavonoid, cinnamic acid and artepillin-C in Brazilian green propolis were analyzed. Splenic NK cytotoxic, T lymphocyte proliferation and antibody generation cells, as well as the phagocytosis of peritoneal macrophages, ear swelling, and serum contents of IgG, IgM, hemolysin and cytokines were measured. After 4 weeks of treatment, the phagocytosis of peritoneal macrophages was enhanced in 157.4 mg/kg and 352.9 mg/kg groups. Ear swelling increased in all propolis treatmented groups. Antibodies specific to sheep erythrocytes were higher in the groups receiving 157.4 and 352.9 mg/kg.bw than that of control group. IgG level dramatically increased in the groups receiving 83.3 and 157.4 mg/kg.bw in comparison to the control group. These results indicate that administration of Brazilian green propolis have a positive effect on innate and adaptive immunity in aged mice.

Effect of Jin Jiang Granules on Immune Function in Normal Mice

Objective: Explore the effect of functional food Jin Jiang granules on immune function in normal mice, to provide basis for Jin Jiang granules which are applied in early stage of cold. Methods: After normal mice were given to different doses of Jin Jiang granules, levels of peritoneal macrophage phagocytosis rate and indexes, thymus and spleen indexes, haemolysin, hemolytic plaque, peripheral blood lymphocyte transformation rate, NK cell activity were determined. Results: Compared with blank group, Jin Jiang granules can improve levels of peritoneal macrophage phagocytosis, organ indexes, haemolysin, hemolytic plaque, peripheral blood lymphocyte transformation rate, NK cell activity. Conclusion: Jin Jiang granules can improve the organisms immunity, relieve symptoms and promote recovery when applied in early stage of cold.

Effects of (20S*,24R*)-epoxy-9,19-cyclolanstane-3β,12β,16β,25-pentaol-3-O-β-d-xylopyranoside Extracted from Rhizoma Beesia on Immunoregulation and Anti-inflammation

(20S*,24R*)-epoxy-9,19-cyclolanstane-3β,12β,16β,25-pentaol-3-O-β-D-xylopyranoside (BC1) is a kind of natural bioactive substance extracted from Beesia calthaefolia (Maxim.)Ulbr. This study was designed to evaluate the effects of BC1 on the proliferation of lymphocytes, phagocytosis of peritoneal macrophage, and cytokine secretion, such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-1β, and the foot pad thickness index, which is beneficial for understanding the mechanism of BC1 on immunoregulation and anti-inflammation and also will benefit our further research. The proliferation of splenic lymphocyte induced by mitogen (concanavalin A or lipopolysaccharide (LPS)) was detected using the cell counting kit assay. The neutral red phagocytic test of macrophages was determined by colorimetric method. The gene and protein expressions of TNF-α and IL-1β were measured by real time RT-PCR and ELISA in serum, spleen, and lymphocytes, respectively. In vitro, our present study has shown that BC1 (31.25-250 μg/ml) could inhibit the proliferation of splenic lymphocyte and phagocytosis of macrophages, and inhibit the increased production of TNF-α and IL-1β in protein and gene levels. In mice, LPS could increase the gene and protein expressions of TNF-α and IL-1β, respectively, but BC1 (12.5-50 μg/kg) could recover the increased gene and protein expressions of TNF-α and IL-1β induced by LPS in the spleen and serum of mice. Treatment of arthritic rats with BC1 (1.5 mg/kg body weight) resulted in a significant reduction in foot pad thickness index and serum TNF-α level comparable to the indomethacin-treated arthritic rats, proving its anti-inflammatory effect. Thus, the function of immunoregulation of BC1 may be accomplished through modulating the gene and protein expressions of TNF-α and IL-1β.

Preparation of Neomytilan, a Bioglycan from the Mussel Crenomytilus grayanus, and its Immunostimulating Activity

Bioglycans isolated from the Far-East mussel Crenomytilus grayanus were compared analytically. It was found that neomytilan, a bioglycan with reduced protein content, and the previously isolated mytilan stimulated phagocytosis of murine peritoneal macrophages in vitro and influenced the synthesis of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-6, and IFN-γ.

In vitro effects of emodin on peritoneal macrophage intercellular adhesion molecule-3 in a rat model of severe acute pancreatitis/systemic inflammatory response syndrome

Rhubarb is often used in Chinese herbal medicine for the treatment of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS). Emodin is the main active constituent of rhubarb. This study was performed to investigate the in vitro effects of emodin and dexamethasone on peritoneal macrophage (pMΦ) phagocytosis and the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-3 (ICAM-3). A total of 40 Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into sham surgery (n=10) and model groups (n=30). After 24 h, pMΦs were harvested and the model group was randomly divided into three subgroups (n=10 rats/subgroup): the 5 μg/ml emodin, 0.1 μmol/ml dexamethasone and control groups. The drugs were administered following macrophage (MΦ) adhesion for 24 h. pMΦ phagocytosis was significantly increased in the emodin group compared to that in the control group. Moreover, pMΦ phagocytosis was significantly increased in the emodin group compared to that in the dexamethasone group. The expression of ICAM-3 was significantly increased in the emodin group compared to that in the control group. The expression of ICAM-3 was significantly increased in the emodin group compared to that in the dexamethasone group. The expression of ICAM-3 was significantly increased in the emodin and dexamethasone groups compared to that in the control group. pMΦ phagocytosis and ICAM-3 expression were significantly increased following emodin treatment compared to those in the control and dexamethasone groups, indicating that emodin may enhance pMΦ phagocytosis and apoptotic cell clearance by altering ICAM-3 expression.

Peritoneal mast cell degranulation differently affected thioglycollate-induced macrophage phenotype and activity in Dark Agouti and Albino Oxford rats

AimsMacrophages are heterogeneous population of inflammatory cells and, in response to the microenvironment, become differentially activated. The objective of the study was to explore macrophage effector functions during different inflammatory conditions in two rat strains. Main methodsWe have investigated the effects of in vivo treatment with mast cell-degranulating compound 48/80 and/or thioglycollate on peritoneal macrophage phagocytosis and capacity to secrete hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and nitric oxide (NO) in Dark Agouti (DA) and Albino Oxford (AO) rat strains. Besides, fresh peritoneal cells were examined for the expression of ED1, ED2 and CD86 molecules. Key findingsIn thioglycollate-elicited macrophages, increased proportion of ED1+ cells was accompanied with elevated phagocytosis of zymosan (DA strain), whereas increased expression level of CD86 molecule on ED2+ macrophages matched elevated secretory capacity for H2O2, TNF-α and NO (AO rats). Although mast cell degranulation induced by compound 48/80 increased the percentages of ED2+ macrophages in both rat strains, the proportion of ED2+ cells expressing CD86 molecule was decreased and increased in DA and AO rats, respectively. Furthermore, in DA strain compound 48/80 diminished macrophage secretion of NO, but stimulated all macrophage functions tested in AO strain. If applied concomitantly, the compound 48/80 additively increased macrophage activity induced by thioglycollate in AO rats. SignificanceMacrophages from DA and AO rat strains show different susceptibility to mediators released from mast cells, suggesting that strain-dependant predisposition(s) toward particular activation pattern is decisive for the macrophage efficacy in response to inflammatory agents.

Protective Effect of Herbal Compound Beverage of <i>Radix </i><i>astragali </i>on Immunosuppressed Mice Induced by Cyclophosphamide

In this study, the herbal compound beverage of Radix astragali (HCBRA) was explored and the immuno-enhancement effects of HCBRA were studied in immunosuppressed mice induced by cyclophosphamide (Cy). HCBRA consisted of a water extract of the mixed herbal drugs Radix astragali, Golden-silk jujube, Acanthopanax senticosus fruit, Schisandra chinensis, Glycyrrhiza, Ginger, Peppermint. Compound polysaccharide content calculated as glucose equivalents was 120mg glucose/100mL beverage. The BALB/c mice were gavaged (i.g) once daily with the dosages (2.27, 4.55g, 9.10g raw materials /(kg.bw))of HCBRA for 14 consecutive days, respectively, accompanied by i.p. injection of Cy (80mg/(kg.bw)) at the first three days. The results showed that HCBRA was able to overcome the Cy-induced immunosuppression, significantly increased spleen index and peripheral white blood cell counts, enhanced T cell and B cell proliferation responses, improved splenic nature killer cell activity and peritoneal macrophage phagocytosis. In summary, HCBRA enhanced immunologic functions in vivo. These results offered scientific evidence to prove the efficacy of HCBRA.

Prior reproductive experience alters prolactin-induced macrophage responses in pregnant rats

Reproductive experience (i.e., pregnancy and lactation) induces physiological changes in mammals. A previous reproductive experience was recently shown to modulate the activity of dopaminergic hypothalamic systems while decreasing serum prolactin levels and oxidative burst activity in peritoneal macrophages. Dopamine receptor antagonists increase serum prolactin levels, and both prolactin and dopamine receptors may be involved in the modulation of macrophage activity, providing a means of communication between the nervous and immune systems. The present study evaluated the in vitro effects of prolactin and a dopamine D2 receptor antagonist on the peritoneal activity of macrophages from primigravid and multigravid female rats during the third trimester of pregnancy. Oxidative bursts and phagocytosis in peritoneal macrophages were evaluated by flow cytometry. Primigravid and multigravid Wistar rats, during the third trimester of pregnancy (i.e., days 17–21), were used. Peritoneal fluid samples from these rats were first incubated with prolactin (10 and 100nM) for different periods of time. The same procedure was repeated to evaluate the effects of domperidone (10 and 100nM) on macrophage activity. Our results showed that macrophages from multigravid rats responded more effectively to in vitro incubation with prolactin, especially with regard to the intensity and percentage of phagocytosis. Additionally, these effects were more pronounced after incubation periods of 30min or 4h. These data suggest that macrophages during a second pregnancy become more sensitive to the phagocytotic effects of prolactin.

Temporal effects of intestinal ischemia/reperfusion in phagocytosis and inflammatory mediators release (P5054)

Abstract Intestinal ischemia/reperfusion (i-I/R) can induce acute lung inflammation. Furthermore, injuries seen in i-I/R may cause deterioration of the immune system. Studies have demonstrated that dendritic cells present lower responsiveness to bacterial components, while peritoneal macrophages reduce the levels of MHC-II and release less IL-12. Male Wistar rats were subjected to 45 min of ischemia of the superior mesenteric artery and then to 2 h, 3, 5 or 20 days of reperfusion. After these times, the phagocytosis and oxidative burst of peritoneal macrophages and blood monocytes were evaluated by flow cytometry. In addition, inflammatory mediators were quantified in lung culture. We observed that after 5 days of reperfusion the phagocytosis of monocytes was lower than in basal and in the other periods studied. On the other hand, the oxidative burst in this time increased. The phagocytosis of peritoneal macrophages increased after 3 and 5 days of reperfusion, while the oxidative burst increased only after 3 days. Lung explants culture from reperfused rats revealed that while the levels of IL-1β increased during the days of reperfusion, the levels of IL-10 decreased. Furthermore, the amount of IL-17A, TNF-α and IL-4 were higher after 5 days of reperfusion than in the others times. Our data indicate the i-I/R as a promoter of temporal changes in the immune system that alter its ability to maintain the homeostasis and to respond appropriately to pathogens.

Antitumor effects of dietary black and brown rice brans in tumor‐bearing mice: Relationship to composition

Feeding a diet supplemented with 10% (w/w) black and brown rice brans inhibited growth of transplanted tumors in mice. Black and brown rice brans from Oryza sativa LK1-3-6-12-1 and Chuchung cultivars each contained 21 compounds characterized by GC/MS. Mice fed diets with added rice brans for 2 weeks were intracutaneously inoculated with CT-26 mouse cancer cells and fed the same diet for two additional weeks. Tumor mass was 35 and 19% lower in the black and brown bran-fed groups, respectively. Tumor inhibition was associated with increases in cytolytic activity of splenic natural killer (NK) cells; partial restoration of nitric oxide production and phagocytosis in peritoneal macrophages; increases in released tumor necrosis factor-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 from macrophages; increases in infiltration of leukocyte into the tumor; and reduction in angiogenesis inside the tumor. Proangiogenic biomarkers vascular endothelial growth factor, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) were also reduced in mRNA and protein expression. ELISA of tumor cells confirmed reduced expression of COX-2 and 5-LOX. Reduced COX-2 and 5-LOX expression downregulated vascular endothelial growth factor and inhibited neoangiogenesis inside the tumors. Induction of NK activity and macrophages and inhibition of angiogenesis seem to contribute to tumor regression.

Effects of Ligustilide on Tumor Growth and Immune Function in Institute of Cancer Research Mice

Purpose: To investigate the immunomodulatory and antitumor activities of ligustilide (LIG) extracted from Angelica sinensis in mice. Methods: Normal and tumor-bearing Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) mice were treated p.o. with LIG (5, 20 and 80 mg/kg/day) for 7 days. In normal ICR mice, phagocytosis of peritoneal macrophages and serum hemolysin concentration were assessed by chicken red blood cell ingestion test and quantitative hemolysis of sheep red blood cells assay, respectively. Lymphocyte proliferation was determined by 3-(4,5)-dimethylthiahiazo (-z-y1)-3,5-di-phenytetrazoliumromide (MTT) method. Both cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) and natural killer (NK) cell activities were evaluated by lactate-dehydrogenaserelease assay. H 22 ascites tumor cells were inoculated subcutaneously into ICR mice, followed by the determination of antitumor activity of LIG in the H 22 -bearing mice. Results: LIG significantly increased thymus and spleen index, macrophage phagocytosis, serum hemolysin concentration, spleen lymphocyte proliferation and CTL and NK cell activities in normal ICR mice, but inhibited the growth of transplantable H22 hepatoma. The effect was dose-related but not in a linear fashion. A dose of 20 mg/kg dose was more effective than 5 and 80 mg/kg doses. Conclusion: These results suggest that LIG at 20 mg/kg has a highly boosted the immune system and tumor inhibition.

Chicken embryo extracts enhance spleen lymphocyte and peritoneal macrophages function

Ethnopharmacological relevanceTraditionally, chicken embryo eggs are widely considered as an immunomodulatory health product in China and southeast Asia. Besides that, Compendium of Materia Medica, the most famous Chinese pharmacopoeia, has recorded that chicken embryo eggs contributed to the appetite increase and immune function enhancement, especially for the pregnant and aged. Aim of the studyThrough assessing the immune efficacy of the chicken embryo extracts on immunocompetent cells, the immunomodulatory mechanism and components were explored preliminarily. Materials and methodsThe raw material was subjected to in vitro gastric and pancreatic digestion successively, and then ligarine was added to separate the digested mixture to water-soluble fraction (WS) and lipid-soluble fraction (LS). Employing in vitro cell models, the immunomodulating activities of the extracts on immunosuppressed mouse were examined, at concentrations ranging from 10 to 500μg/ml. The cell experiments consisted of the following experiments: spleen lymphocyte proliferation and IL-2 secretion, peritoneal macrophage phagocytosis and NO production. Before cell experiments, Kjeldal method and phenol–sulfuric acid method were employed respectively to determine the total protein and polysaccharide content of WS, and gas chromatography to analyze the fatty acid composition of LS. ResultsLS significantly enhanced the spleen lymphocyte proliferation and IL-2 secretion, while peritoneal macrophage phagocytosis and NO production activity were elevated by WS. Both extracts exhibited an immunomodulatory effect with a dose–effect relationship. ConclusionThe findings confirmed the chicken embryo eggs as a potent immunopotentiator on the immunosuppressed mouse, which would be useful for the fruitful application of the chicken embryo eggs to serve as a superior immunostimulatory tonic. Furthermore, the two extracts exhibited a different bioactivity tendency which makes it a significative work to screen the bioactive component for further study.