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Kefiran suppresses antigen-induced mast cell activation
Tadahide Furuno1, Mamoru Nakanishi
1School of Pharmacy, Aichi Gakuin University, Nagoya, Japan. furuno@dpc.agu.ac.jp
Biological & Pharmaceutical Bulletin
|February 2, 2012
Summary
Kefiran, an exopolysaccharide from kefir, significantly inhibited mast cell activation and reduced inflammatory cytokine production. This suggests kefiran possesses anti-inflammatory properties by modulating key signaling pathways.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Microbiology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Kefir is a fermented milk beverage containing kefir grains.
- Kefiran, an exopolysaccharide from Lactobacillus kefiranofaciens in kefir grains, exhibits potential health benefits.
- Mast cells play a crucial role in inflammatory responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of kefiran on antigen-induced mast cell activation.
- To determine if kefiran can inhibit mast cell degranulation and cytokine production.
- To elucidate the molecular pathways involved in kefiran's anti-inflammatory action.
Main Methods:
- Bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMCs) were pretreated with varying doses of kefiran.
- Antigen-induced mast cell activation was assessed by measuring calcium (Ca2+) mobilization, degranulation, and TNF-α production.
- Western blotting was used to analyze the phosphorylation of key signaling proteins, including Akt and ERKs.
Main Results:
- Kefiran pretreatment dose-dependently inhibited antigen-induced Ca2+ mobilization, degranulation, and TNF-α production in BMMCs.
- Kefiran suppressed the phosphorylation of Akt, glycogen synthase kinase 3β, and extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs) following antigen stimulation.
- These findings demonstrate that kefiran interferes with signaling cascades essential for mast cell activation.
Conclusions:
- Kefiran effectively suppresses mast cell degranulation and pro-inflammatory cytokine release.
- The anti-inflammatory effects of kefiran are mediated through the inhibition of Akt and ERK signaling pathways.
- Kefiran shows promise as a natural anti-inflammatory agent with potential therapeutic applications.
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