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Immunostimulatory effect of spinach aqueous extract on mouse macrophage-like J774.1 cells and mouse primary
Momoko Ishida1, Saya Ose1, Kosuke Nishi1
1a Faculty of Agriculture , Ehime University , Matsuyama , Japan.
Insights
Spinach aqueous extract (SAE) boosts macrophage immune response by increasing cytokine production and phagocytosis. This suggests spinach is a beneficial functional food for enhancing immunity in vivo.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Nutrition Science
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Macrophages are crucial immune cells involved in host defense.
- Dietary components can modulate immune cell function.
- Spinach is a nutrient-rich vegetable with potential health benefits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the immunostimulatory effects of spinach aqueous extract (SAE) on macrophages.
- To determine the mechanisms underlying SAE-induced macrophage activation.
- To evaluate the potential of SAE as a functional food for immune enhancement.
Main Methods:
- In vitro studies using mouse macrophage cell line (J774.1) and primary peritoneal macrophages.
- Measurement of cytokine production (IL-6, TNF-α) and gene expression.
- Assessment of phagocytosis activity.
- Immunoblot analysis to identify signaling pathways (MAPK, NF-κB).
- In vivo studies involving SAE administration to BALB/c mice.
Main Results:
- SAE significantly enhanced the production of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in both cell types.
- SAE increased the expression of IL-6 and TNF-α genes.
- SAE facilitated the phagocytosis activity of J774.1 cells.
- SAE activated mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathways.
- SAE activated macrophages via TLR4 and other receptors.
- SAE administration in mice enhanced IL-6 production by peritoneal macrophages.
Conclusions:
- Spinach aqueous extract exhibits significant immunostimulatory effects on macrophages.
- SAE enhances macrophage functions including cytokine production, phagocytosis, and immune signaling.
- SAE demonstrates potential as a functional food ingredient for boosting immune activity in vivo.
Abstract:
We herein report the immunostimulatory effect of spinach aqueous extract (SAE) on mouse macrophage-like J774.1 cells and mouse primary peritoneal macrophages. SAE significantly enhanced the production of interleukin (IL)-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α by both J774.1 cells and peritoneal macrophages by enhancing the expression levels of these cytokine genes. In addition, the phagocytosis activity of J774.1 cells was facilitated by SAE. Immunoblot analysis revealed that SAE activates mitogen-activated protein kinase and nuclear factor-κB cascades. It was found that SAE activates macrophages through not only TLR4, but also other receptors. The production of IL-6 was significantly enhanced by peritoneal macrophages from SAE-administered BALB/c mice, suggesting that SAE has a potential to stimulate macrophage activity in vivo. Taken together, these data indicate that SAE would be a beneficial functional food with immunostimulatory effects on macrophages.
