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Updated: Jul 4, 2025
Measuring Carbon Content in Airway Macrophages Exposed to Carbon-Containing Particulate Matters
Published on: July 12, 2024
Evaluation of the amelioration effect of Ganoderma formosanum extract on delaying PM2.5 damage to lung macrophages
Chih-Yao Hou1, Chen-Che Hsieh2, Yin-Ci Hung3
1Department of Seafood Science, College of Hydrosphere, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung, 81157, Taiwan.
Scope:
Particulate matter (PM) contains toxic organic matter and heavy metals that enter the entire body through blood flow and may cause mortality. Ganoderma formosanum mycelium, a valuable traditional Chinese medicine that has been used since ancient times, contains various active ingredients that can effectively impede inflammatory responses on murine alveolar macrophages induced by PM particles.
Methods And Results:
An experimental study assessing the effect of G. formosanum mycelium extract's water fraction (WA) on PM-exposed murine alveolar macrophages using ROS measurement shows that WA reduces intracellular ROS by 12% and increases cell viability by 16% when induced by PM particles. According to RNA-Sequencing, western blotting, and real-time qPCR are conducted to analyze the metabolic pathway. The WA reduces the protein ratio in p-NF-κB/NF-κB by 18% and decreases the expression of inflammatory genes, including IL-1β by 38%, IL-6 by 29%, and TNF-α by 19%. Finally, the identification of seven types of anti-inflammatory compounds in the WA fraction is achieved through UHPLC-ESI-Orbitrap-Elite-MS/MS analysis. These compounds include anti-inflammatory compounds, namely thiamine, adenosine 5'-monophosphate, pipecolic acid, L-pyroglutamic acid, acetyl-L-carnitine, D-mannitol, and L-malic acid.
Conclusions:
The study suggests that the WA has the potential to alleviate the PM -induced damage in alveolar macrophages, demonstrating its anti-inflammatory properties.
Insights
Ganoderma formosanum mycelium extract reduced inflammation and cell damage caused by particulate matter (PM) in lung cells. This traditional medicine shows potential for mitigating PM-induced harm.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology and Traditional Chinese Medicine
- Environmental Health
- Immunology
Background:
- Particulate matter (PM) poses health risks due to toxic components entering the bloodstream.
- Ganoderma formosanum mycelium is a traditional Chinese medicine with anti-inflammatory properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the protective effects of Ganoderma formosanum mycelium water fraction (WA) against PM-induced damage in murine alveolar macrophages.
- To identify the anti-inflammatory compounds present in the WA.
Main Methods:
- Murine alveolar macrophages were exposed to PM particles.
- The effect of WA was assessed using ROS measurements, RNA-sequencing, western blotting, and real-time qPCR.
- Compound identification was performed using UHPLC-ESI-Orbitrap-Elite-MS/MS.
Main Results:
- WA reduced intracellular ROS by 12% and increased cell viability by 16% in PM-exposed macrophages.
- WA decreased the p-NF-κB/NF-κB protein ratio by 18% and suppressed inflammatory gene expression (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α).
- Seven anti-inflammatory compounds, including thiamine and adenosine 5'-monophosphate, were identified in WA.
Conclusions:
- The WA fraction of Ganoderma formosanum mycelium exhibits significant anti-inflammatory effects.
- WA demonstrates potential in alleviating PM-induced damage in alveolar macrophages.
