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Activation of murine macrophage cell line RAW 264.7 by Korean propolis
Shinha Han1, Ki-Hyun Sung, Dongsool Yim
1Department of Pharmacy, Sahmyook University, 26-21 Gonglung-Dong, Seoul, 139-742 South Korea.
Abstract:
Monocytes and macrophages play a major role in defense mechanism of the host response to tumor, in part through the secretion of several potent products and macrophage cytokines. Monocytes and tissue macrophages produce at least two groups of protein mediators of inflammation, interleukin 1 (IL-1) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF). Recent studies emphasizes that TNF and IL-1 modulate the inflammatory function of endothelial cells, leukocytes, and fibroblasts. In this study, our work is directed toward studying the in vitro effects of Korean propolis on the ability to induce cellular and secretory responses in murine macrophage cell line, RAW 264.7. It was found that Water Extract of Korean Propolis (WEP) could activate macrophages by producing cytokines. The production of the macrophage cytokines, IL-1 and TNF-alpha, by RAW 264.7 treated with WEP was examined from 2.5 microg/ml up to 25 microg/ml with dose dependent manner. Nitric oxide (NO) production was also increased when cells were exposed to combination of LPS and WEP from 2.5 microg/ml up to 25 microg/ml. At high dose of WEP (50 to 100 microg/ml) used to prescribe for anti-inflammatory and analgesic medicine showed inhibition of NO production in LPS-stimulated macrophage. Besides cytokine production, NO release, surface molecule expression and cell morphologic antigen expression were increased in response to the stimulation by WEP. These results suggested WEP may function through macrophage activation.
Insights
Korean propolis extract activates macrophages, increasing cytokine and nitric oxide production. However, high doses inhibit nitric oxide, suggesting potential anti-inflammatory effects in this macrophage activation study.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Monocytes and macrophages are crucial in host defense against tumors, secreting cytokines like interleukin-1 (IL-1) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF).
- IL-1 and TNF modulate inflammatory responses in various cells, highlighting their significance in immune regulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in vitro effects of Water Extract of Korean Propolis (WEP) on murine macrophage cell line RAW 264.7.
- To determine WEP's ability to induce cellular and secretory responses, including cytokine and nitric oxide production.
Main Methods:
- RAW 264.7 cells were treated with varying concentrations of WEP (2.5–100 µg/ml).
- Cytokine (IL-1, TNF-alpha) and nitric oxide (NO) production were measured.
- Surface molecule and cell morphologic antigen expression were analyzed.
Main Results:
- WEP dose-dependently increased IL-1 and TNF-alpha production in RAW 264.7 cells.
- WEP, especially in combination with LPS, enhanced NO production at lower doses (2.5–25 µg/ml).
- High doses of WEP (50–100 µg/ml) inhibited NO production in LPS-stimulated macrophages, alongside increased surface molecule and antigen expression.
Conclusions:
- Water Extract of Korean Propolis activates macrophages, evidenced by increased cytokine and NO production.
- WEP exhibits dose-dependent effects on NO production, with potential anti-inflammatory properties at higher concentrations.
- These findings suggest WEP may modulate immune responses through macrophage activation.