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To investigate the effects of irradiation on structural and functional properties of egg white proteins, which enhance foaming ability, egg white was separated and irradiated at doses of 0, 2.5, and 5 kGy. The foaming ability of egg white was increased, whereas foam stability was decreased by irradiation. Turbidity and protein oxidation of egg white was increased by irradiation with an increase of irradiation dose. The content of free sulfhydryl and disulfide was not affected by irradiation. According to 2-dimensional electrophoresis analysis, it was demonstrated that protein scissions are the main changes caused by irradiation and this protein modification may be the main reason for the improvement in foaming ability of egg white.

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BackgroundResistin, a member of adipokine family, is known to be involved in the modulation of immune responses including inflammatory activity. Interestingly, resistin is secreted by adipocytes in mice and rats whereas it is secreted by leukocytes in humans. However, the mechanism behind the effect of resistin on the expansion of regulatory T cells (Tregs) remains poorly understood. Therefore, we examined regulatory effect of resistin on the induction and cellular modification of Tregs.ResultsBoth protein and mRNA expression of FoxP3, a representative marker of Tregs, increased in a dose-dependent manner when peripheral blood mononuclear cells were treated with resistin. At the same time, resistin had no direct effect on the induction of FoxP3 in CD4+ T cells, suggesting an indirect role through other cells type(s). Since DCs are an important player in the differentiation of T cells, we focused on the role of DCs in the modulation of Tregs by resistin. Resistin suppressed the expression of interferon regulatory factor (IRF)-1 and its target cytokines, IL-6, IL-23p19 and IL-12p40, in DCs. Furthermore, FoxP3 expression is increased in CD4+ T cells when co-cultured with DCs and concomitantly treated with resistin.ConclusionOur results suggest that resistin induces expansion of functional Tregs only when co-cultured with DCs.

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