Aralia cordata Extract Activates NF-κB and MAPK Signaling Pathways and Induces Pro-inflammatory Changes in RAW264.7 Macrophages
10.4167/jbv.2019.49.4.153
- Author:
Dong Won SEO
1
;
Yong Il CHO
;
Young Joo YI
;
Sang Myeong LEE
Author Information
1. Gyeongbuk Institute for Bio industry, Andong-si, Gyeongbuk 36618, South Korea.
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Aralia cordata;
RAW264.7;
Immunostimulatory effect;
NF-κB;
MAPK
- MeSH:
Aralia;
Cytokines;
Immune System Diseases;
Immunity, Innate;
Immunomodulation;
Inflammation Mediators;
Interleukin-6;
Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins;
Korea;
Macrophages;
NF-kappa B;
Nitric Oxide;
Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II;
Phagocytosis;
Reactive Oxygen Species;
Water
- From:Journal of Bacteriology and Virology
2019;49(4):153-161
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Macrophages play essential roles in innate immune responses by producing various immune mediators. Therefore, modulating macrophage function is an attractive strategy to treat immune disorders. Aralia cordata var. continentalis (AC), known as “Dokwhal” in Korea, possesses various biological and medicinal functions, including immunomodulation. The present study investigated the effect of the hot water extract of AC (HAC) on RAW264.7 murine macrophages. When these cells were treated with HAC, nitric oxide production and inducible nitric oxide synthase expression was induced dose-dependently. In addition, HAC treatment triggered the secretion of innate immune cytokines, such as TNF-α and IL-6. Phagocytosis, measured by FITC-dextran internalization showed that HAC stimulated the phagocytic activity of macrophages. Furthermore, HAC promoted the production of reactive oxygen species in RAW264.7 cells, determined by CM-H2DCFDA. In addition, the immunoblot analysis of intracellular signaling proteins revealed that NF-kB and MAPK signaling pathways, which are important signaling mediators of inflammation, are upregulated by HAC. In conclusion, these findings suggested that HAC can stimulate macrophage activity, and NF-kB and MAPK signaling pathways might be involved in the immunostimulatory effects of HAC.
