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Inulin induces dendritic cells apoptosis through the caspase-dependent pathway and mitochondrial dysfunction
Jin Chung1, Young-Ok Yoon, Jun Sik Lee
1Department of Periodontology, School of Dentistry, Pusan National University, Yangsan, Korea.
Biological & Pharmaceutical Bulletin
|April 7, 2011
Summary
Inulin, found in oral biofilms, triggers apoptosis in dendritic cells. High concentrations of this fructooligosaccharide induce programmed cell death in immune cells.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Dendritic cells are crucial for initiating immune responses.
- The impact of oral biofilm polysaccharides on dendritic cell viability is largely unknown.
- Inulin, a fructooligosaccharide, is present in oral biofilms and utilized by oral bacteria.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of inulin on the viability of murine bone marrow-derived dendritic cells.
- To elucidate the mechanism by which inulin affects dendritic cells.
Main Methods:
- Murine bone marrow-derived dendritic cells were treated with varying concentrations of inulin.
- Apoptosis was assessed using MTT assay, Annexin V/Propidium Iodide staining, and Hoechst staining.
- Western blotting was employed to analyze the expression of apoptosis-related proteins, including Bcl-2, Bax, caspase-9, caspase-3, and PARP.
Main Results:
- Inulin induced apoptosis in dendritic cells in a dose-dependent manner.
- Inulin treatment led to the activation of the caspase-dependent apoptotic pathway, involving caspase-9 and caspase-3.
- The Bcl-2/Bax ratio was altered, with decreased Bcl-2 expression and increased Bax expression, alongside PARP cleavage.
Conclusions:
- Inulin induces apoptosis in murine bone marrow-derived dendritic cells via the caspase-dependent pathway.
- The observed cell death is linked to changes in the Bcl-2/Bax protein ratio.
- High concentrations of inulin can lead to apoptotic cell death in dendritic cells, suggesting a potential role in oral immune modulation.
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