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Effect of Ganoderma Lucidum on Cytokine Release by Peritoneal Macrophages
Kazem Ahmadi1, Majid Riazipour
1Department of Immunology, Research Center of Molecular Biology, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. kazahmadi@yahoo.com
Insights
Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi) extract boosts macrophage immune function by increasing cytokine and nitric oxide (NO) release. This study shows Reishi enhances key immune responses at moderate concentrations.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi) extract is a known immunomodulator.
- It stimulates spleen cell proliferation and cytokine expression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the immunomodulatory effects of Ganoderma lucidum on cytokine production.
- To assess the impact of G. lucidum on mouse peritoneal macrophages.
Main Methods:
- Mouse peritoneal macrophages were isolated and cultured.
- Cells were incubated with varying concentrations of G. lucidum extract for 48 hours.
- Cytokine and nitric oxide (NO) production was measured using ELISA.
Main Results:
- Ganoderma lucidum enhanced the production of IL-1beta, TNF-alpha, and NO in a dose-dependent manner.
- IL-12 release was significantly increased, with maximal enhancement at 5 microg/ml.
- No significant cytotoxicity was observed at tested concentrations (0-40 microg/ml).
Conclusions:
- Ganoderma lucidum positively influences macrophage function.
- The extract enhances cytokine and NO release, improving macrophage activity at moderate concentrations.
Background:
The water-soluble extract of Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi) has been used as an immunomodulator to stimulate spleen cells proliferation and cytokine expression.
Objectives:
To investigate the effect of Ganoderma lucidum (G. lucidum) on cytokine production by mice peritoneal macrophages.
Methods:
Mice peritoneal macrophages were prepared by intra-peritoneal injection of 5 ml cold PBS. Peritoneal macrophages were plated out at 1X10(6) cell/well in 1ml RPMI 1640 medium supplemented with 10%FCS, 50 microg streptomycin and 50U penicillin. Cells were incubated in the presence or absence of different concentrations of G. lucidum at 37 degrees C and 5% CO2 for 48 hours. Cell free medium was removed and used for cytokine assay by ELISA method (Bender med system).
Results:
The results showed no significant differences in cell viability at concentrations ranged from 0-40 microg/ml compared with control group. G. lucidum enhanced IL-1beta, TNF-alpha and NO production in a concentration dependent manner. However, it is not clear if the enhancement of NO release is due to direct effect of G. lucidum on NO synthesis or by indirect endogenous modulation via cytokines. IL-12 release by peritoneal macrophages was also increased in response to different concentrations of G. lucidum, but maximum enhancement was induced in response to 5 microg/ml of G. lucidum (P<0.001).
Conclusion:
Our results indicate that G. lucidum at concentrations used has a positive effect on cytokine release and NO production by peritoneal macrophages. Therefore, it is concluded that G. lucidum at moderate concentrations improves macrophage function through cytokine and NO release.
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