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[Effect of feishuling on production of tumor necrosis factor alpha from hamster alveolar macrophages]
Objective:
To observe the effect of the traditional Chinese medicine Feishuling on the production of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) from hamster alveolar macrophages in vitro and investigate the mechanism of its preventive and therapeutic effect on chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases(COPD).
Method:
Alveolar macrophages were harvested through bronchoalveolar lavage and cultured, Feishuling were added to the culture medium with lipopolysaccharide(LPS) simultaneously or 6 h after LPS. TNF-alpha production in the culture supernatants was tested by ELISA assay and the expression of TNF-alpha mRNA in the cells was measured through in situ hybridization.
Result:
After administration of Feishuling, the content of TNF-alpha in the supernatants and the expression of TNF-alpha mRNA in the cells were decreased more significantly than those in LPS stimulation group(P < 0.01), and there was a dose-effect relationship, but no significant differences were observed as compared with the simple culture medium group(P > 0.05).
Conclusion:
The effect of reducing the production of TNF-alpha from alveolar macrophages and inhibiting the damage mediated by TNF-alpha might be a part of the mechanism of Feishuling to prevent and treat COPD.
Insights
Feishuling, a traditional Chinese medicine, significantly reduces tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) production in hamster macrophages. This suggests a mechanism for its preventive and therapeutic effects on chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD).
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
- Traditional Chinese Medicine
Context:
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a significant global health concern.
- Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) plays a key role in COPD pathogenesis.
- Understanding the mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicines like Feishuling is crucial for developing new COPD treatments.
Purpose:
- To investigate the in vitro effect of Feishuling on TNF-alpha production by hamster alveolar macrophages.
- To elucidate the potential mechanism of Feishuling in preventing and treating COPD.
Summary:
- Feishuling administration significantly decreased TNF-alpha levels in macrophage culture supernatants and reduced TNF-alpha mRNA expression in a dose-dependent manner.
- These effects were observed compared to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation, indicating Feishuling's anti-inflammatory properties.
- The study utilized bronchoalveolar lavage, cell culture, ELISA, and in situ hybridization to assess TNF-alpha production and gene expression.
Impact:
- The findings suggest that Feishuling's ability to reduce TNF-alpha production is a key mechanism in its therapeutic action against COPD.
- This research provides a scientific basis for the traditional use of Feishuling in respiratory diseases.
- Further research into Feishuling could lead to novel therapeutic strategies for COPD management.
