Identification of Immunomodulatory Signatures Induced by American Ginseng in Murine Immune Cells

Abstract

Background. American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius, AG) has been used for more than 300 years. Some of its claimed benefits can be attributed to the immunomodulatory activities, whose molecular mechanisms are largely unknown. Methods. Murine splenic cells from adult male C57BL/6 (B6) mice were isolated and divided into 4 groups to mimic 4 basic pathophysiological states: (1) normal naïve; (2) normal activated; (3) deficient naïve; (4) deficient activated. Then, different AG extracts were added to all groups for 24 h incubation. MTT proliferation assays were performed to evaluate the phenotypic features of cells. Finally, microarray assays were carried out to identify differentially expressed genes associated with AG exposure. Real-time PCR was performed to validate the expression of selected genes. Results. Microarray data showed that most of gene expression changes were identified in the deficient naïve group, suggesting that the pathophysiological state has major impacts on transcriptomic changes associated with AG exposure. Specifically, this study revealed downregulation of interferon-γ signaling pathway in the deficient group of cells. Conclusion. Our study demonstrated that only specific groups of immune cells responded to AG intervention and immunocompromised cells were more likely regulated by AG treatment.

Immunomodulatory properties of enzymatic extract of Stichopus japonicus on murine splenocytes

“…Furthermore, it has been noted that polysaccharides rich extracts able to enhance the Con A induced spleen IL-2 and IFN-γ in C57BL/6 mice (Yan et al, 2013) assuming the literature hypotheses that extract might stimulated spleen cells also…”

Pharmacological and Clinical Efficacy of American Ginseng (<i>Panax Quinquefolius</i>): A Mini Review

“…AG increased the number of natural killer cells in mice spleen and bone marrow [44]. Particular groups of immune cells reacted to AG intervention and immunocompromised cells were more probable directed by AG treatment on mice [45]. Bioassay investigations affirmed that compound 7 demonstrated an additional immunosuppressive action towards inhibiting the production of nitric oxide and tumor necrosis factor alpha in lipopolysaccharide-induced macrophage cells in a measurements subordinate way utilizing murine macrophages [46].…”

Bioinformatics Exploration of Ginseng: A Review

“…In the study conducted by Yan et al [44] to identify immunomodulatory biomarkers in an immune cell induced by ginseng, microarray assays were carried out to identify differentially expressed genes associated with American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) exposure to 4 groups of Murine splenic cells from adult male C57BL/6 (B6) mice which were isolated to mimic 4 basic pathophysiological states. The microarray data obtained was analyzed with Partek Genomics Suite software while DAVID Bioinformatics Resources 6.7 was used for functional annotation clustering.…”

“…The microarray data obtained was analyzed with Partek Genomics Suite software while DAVID Bioinformatics Resources 6.7 was used for functional annotation clustering. The effect of American ginseng on the interferon gamma signaling functions was obtained by the use of Interferome software [44].…”