Exploring Cuscuta epithymum's Effect on Neuroinflammation, Tyrosine Kinase Activity and Macrophage Counts in Spleen
Leila Ghassemifard1, Narjes Khavasi1, Ehsan Saboory2,3
1Department of Persian Medicine, School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran.
Purpose:
Chronic stress usually causes immunosuppression, activates tyrosine kinase (TK), and increases inflammatory responses. Based on Persian medicine, the spleen is crucial for the immune system and stress response. Cuscuta epithymum (CE) contains antioxidant properties and is beneficial to the immune system.
Methods:
In this experimental study, 28 male and 56 female rats were randomly divided into four groups and exposed to stress from restraint. Simultaneously, Cuscuta's extract was given to the other two groups while normal saline was given to the control and stressed rats. Four different coupling combinations were created by mating control and experimental rats: McFc, MsFs, McFc+EX, and MsFs+EX (M: male, F: female, C: control, S: stress, and EX: extract). The TK level, megakaryocyte, and macrophage cell number in the liver and spleen were then assessed after certain parents and male pups were dissected on postnatal day (PND) 25. Western blot analysis was used to measure the brain's quantitative levels of TNF-α and IL-1β protein expression.
Results:
Rats under stress had much higher levels of TK and macrophage cells in their liver and spleen tissues than the other rats, while the stress+CE group had significantly lower levels. While megakaryocyte cells increased in CE-treated animals, they dramatically declined in the stress group. The brain homogenate's TNF-α and IL-1β levels were considerably lowered by Cuscuta extract.
Conclusion:
Our study showed the significant role of the Cuscuta in decreasing the adverse effects of stress on the liver and spleen immune system, as well as a remarkable anti-neuroinflammatory effect.
