Immunomodulatory Effects of Extracts on Resting M0 Macrophages and LPS-Induced M1 Macrophages.

BACKGROUND

(Chaga) is a parasitic fungus that is distributed mainly in northeast China. Our literature research showed chaga polysaccharides have bilateral effects on tumor necrosis factor (TNF)- and interleukin (IL)-1 levels when they exert antitumor and antidiabetic activities. The current research tried to explore the influence of chaga extracts on inflammatory factors via macrophage polarization which has bilateral immune-regulation not only on healthy tissue homeostasis but also on pathologies.

METHODS

Chaga was extracted with 100°C water and precipitated with 80% ethanol. The extracts were studied on RAW264.7 macrophage at resting condition (M0) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated subtype (classic activated macrophage, M1). The IL-1, TNF-, nitric oxide (NO) level, and the protein expressions of M1 and alternative activated macrophage (M2) markers including IL-1, inducible NO synthase (iNOS), mannose receptor (CD206), and arginase (Arg)-1 were compared.

RESULTS

The 100 g extracts contained 13.7 g polysaccharides and 1.9 g polyphenols. Compared with M0, the 50 g/mL extracts increased NO level ( < 0.05) and decreased CD206 and Arg-1 expression significantly ( < 0.05). The extracts at 100-200 g/mL increased NO and TNF- level ( < 0.05), but increased iNOS and IL-1 expression significantly ( < 0.05). Compared with M1, the extracts decreased NO level at 25, 50, 100, and 200 g/mL and decreased IL-1 and TNF- level at 100-200 g/mL significantly ( < 0.05). At 25-200 g/mL, the extracts significantly increased CD206 and Arg-1 expression and decreased IL-1 and iNOS expression separately ( < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Our research suggested that the bilateral effects of the chaga extracts on iNOS, IL-1 and NO level on M0/M1 macrophages might be related with chaga polysaccharides and chaga polyphenols. Some anticancer and antidiabetic research of purified chaga polysaccharides related to macrophage differentiation should be conducted further.