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Immunostimulating activity of maysin isolated from corn silk in murine RAW 264.7 macrophages
Jisun Lee1, Sun-Lim Kim2, Seul Lee1
1Department of Biotechnology, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon 420-743, Korea.
Abstract:
Corn silk (CS) has long been consumed as a traditional herb in Korea. Maysin is a major flavonoid of CS. The effects of maysin on macrophage activation were evaluated, using the murine macrophage RAW 264.7 cells. Maysin was isolated from CS by methanol extraction, and preparative C18 reverse phase column chromatography. Maysin was nontoxic up to 100 μg/ml, and dose-dependently increased TNF-α secretion and iNOS production by 11.2- and 4.2-fold, respectively, compared to untreated control. The activation and subsequent nuclear translocation of NF-κB was substantially enhanced upon treatment with maysin (1-100 μg/ml). Maysin also stimulated the phosphorylation of Akt and MAPKs (ERK, JNK). These results indicated that maysin activates macrophages to secrete TNF-α and induce iNOS expression, via the activation of the Akt, NF-κB and MAPKs signaling pathways. These results suggest for the first time that maysin can be a new immunomodulator, enhancing the early innate immunity.
Insights
Maysin, a flavonoid from corn silk, activates macrophages and enhances early innate immunity. It boosts TNF-α secretion and iNOS production through key signaling pathways.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Natural Product Chemistry
Background:
- Corn silk (CS) is a traditional Korean herbal medicine.
- Maysin is a primary flavonoid compound found in corn silk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of maysin on macrophage activation.
- To elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms of maysin's action.
Main Methods:
- Maysin was isolated from CS using methanol extraction and C18 reverse phase column chromatography.
- Murine macrophage RAW 264.7 cells were used to assess maysin's effects.
- Key signaling pathways including Akt, NF-κB, and MAPKs were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Maysin demonstrated no toxicity up to 100 μg/ml.
- Maysin significantly increased TNF-α secretion (11.2-fold) and iNOS production (4.2-fold) in a dose-dependent manner.
- Maysin enhanced NF-κB activation and nuclear translocation, and stimulated Akt and MAPK phosphorylation.
Conclusions:
- Maysin activates macrophages via the Akt, NF-κB, and MAPKs signaling pathways.
- Maysin promotes TNF-α secretion and iNOS expression.
- Maysin shows potential as a novel immunomodulator for enhancing early innate immunity.
