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Published on: November 28, 2019
Induction of tumoricidal activity in mouse peritoneal macrophages by ginseng polysaccharide
1Department of Histology and Embryology, Chongqing Medical University, Yuzhong District, China.
Abstract:
This study examined the effects of ginseng polysaccharide (GPS) on mouse peritoneal macrophage (PM)-mediated cytotoxicity towards K562, HL-60, or KG1alpha cells. GPS had no direct effect on killing of tumor cells. However, when mouse PMs were treated with GPS, cytotoxic activity against K562, HL-60, or KG1alpha cells was significantly induced. In addition, phagocytic activity was enhanced in GPS-treated mouse PMs compared to the control. The expressions of CD(68), ACP and alpha-ANE in mouse PMs were increased by the treatment with GPS. Moreover, the levels of cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin-1 (IL-1), IL-6 were increased and the production of nitric oxide (NO) was enhanced. Taken together, these results suggest that GPS possess a potent antitumor activity by stimulating macrophage and a potentiality as an immunomodulator against diseases such as cancer.
Insights
Ginseng polysaccharide (GPS) stimulates mouse macrophages to enhance their cancer-killing and phagocytic activities. This suggests GPS is a potent immunomodulator with potential antitumor effects against diseases like cancer.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Macrophages are crucial immune cells involved in tumor surveillance.
- Cancer cells like K562, HL-60, and KG1alpha are targets for immune-mediated destruction.
- Ginseng polysaccharides (GPS) are bioactive compounds with potential therapeutic properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of ginseng polysaccharide (GPS) on mouse peritoneal macrophage (PM)-mediated cytotoxicity.
- To determine if GPS can enhance macrophage functions relevant to antitumor activity.
Main Methods:
- Mouse peritoneal macrophages (PMs) were treated with GPS.
- Cytotoxicity assays were performed using K562, HL-60, and KG1alpha tumor cell lines.
- Phagocytic activity, expression of macrophage markers (CD68, ACP, alpha-ANE), cytokine levels (TNF-alpha, IL-1, IL-6), and nitric oxide (NO) production were measured.
Main Results:
- GPS did not directly kill tumor cells but significantly induced cytotoxic activity in PMs.
- GPS enhanced the phagocytic activity of mouse PMs.
- GPS treatment increased the expression of CD68, ACP, and alpha-ANE in PMs.
- Levels of TNF-alpha, IL-1, IL-6, and NO production were elevated in GPS-treated PMs.
Conclusions:
- Ginseng polysaccharide (GPS) exhibits potent antitumor activity by stimulating macrophage functions.
- GPS acts as an immunomodulator, enhancing macrophage-mediated cytotoxicity and phagocytosis.
- GPS holds potential for therapeutic applications against cancer and other immune-related diseases.
