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Evaluation of immunomodulatory effects of nisin-containing diets on mice
M A de Pablo1, J J Gaforio, A M Gallego
1University of Jaén, Department of Health Sciences, Spain. mapablo@ujaen.es
Abstract:
The effect of nisin on the immune response of mice was studied. Nisin (in the form of the commercial preparation Nisaplin) was incorporated in the diet of experimental mice which were fed for 30, 75 or 100 days. Short-term administration of diets containing Nisaplin induced an increase of both CD4 and CD8 T-lymphocyte cell counts and also a decrease of B-lymphocyte counts. After prolonged diet administration, T-cell counts returned to control levels. Normal levels of B-lymphocytes were also reached after prolonged administration of the lower (but not the higher) Nisaplin concentration. The macrophage/monocyte fraction isolated from peripheral blood became significantly increased after long-term administration (100 days) of Nisaplin-containing diets in a concentration-dependent way. Although the number of peritoneal cells was not affected by the diets, the phagocytic activity of peritoneal cells decreased after prolonged administration of low (but not high) Nisaplin doses.
Insights
Nisin, a natural antimicrobial, modulated immune cell counts in mice. Short-term nisin intake increased T-cells and decreased B-cells, while long-term intake affected macrophage levels and phagocytic activity.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Microbiology
- Food Science
Background:
- Nisin is a bacteriocin with known antimicrobial properties.
- Its effects on the mammalian immune system require further investigation.
- Understanding nisin's immunomodulatory potential is crucial for its application in food and medicine.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of dietary nisin (Nisaplin) on the immune response in mice.
- To evaluate dose- and duration-dependent effects of nisin on lymphocyte and macrophage populations.
- To assess nisin's influence on cellular immune functions, including phagocytosis.
Main Methods:
- Mice were fed diets containing varying concentrations of Nisaplin for 30, 75, or 100 days.
- Flow cytometry was used to quantify CD4+, CD8+ T-lymphocytes, and B-lymphocytes.
- Macrophage/monocyte fractions were analyzed, and peritoneal cell phagocytic activity was measured.
Main Results:
- Short-term nisin administration increased CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells and decreased B-cells.
- Prolonged nisin intake normalized T-cell counts and, at lower doses, B-cell counts.
- Long-term nisin exposure increased macrophage/monocyte populations in a dose-dependent manner, but decreased peritoneal cell phagocytic activity at lower doses.
Conclusions:
- Dietary nisin exerts transient immunomodulatory effects on lymphocytes.
- Nisin influences macrophage populations and phagocytic capacity, with effects varying by dose and duration.
- These findings provide insights into nisin's complex interactions with the host immune system.
