Targets identification and mechanism analysis for macrophage activation of low molecular weight saccharides from Cistanche deserticola based on molecular affinity chromatography / 中国中药杂志

This study aims to investigate the targets and targets-involved mechanism for the macrophage activation of low molecular weight saccharides from Cistanche deserticola (LMSC). The phagocytic activity and NO release of RAW264.7 cells were detected, and results showed that LMSC exerts immune activation effect by significantly increasing the phagocytic activity and NO release. LMSC-conjugated epoxy-activated sepharose beads were prepared as affinity reagent to capture the target proteins. Twenty-four proteins such as Eef2 were identified by LC-MS/MS analysis. Pathway enrichment analysis showed LMSC activated RAW264.7 cells by regulating Fcgamma receptor dependent phagocytosis, TNF-alpha NF-κB signaling pathway, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis and the citric acid cycle and respiratory electron transport pathway.

Macrophage activation by low molecular weight saccharides from Cistanche deserticola / 中国中药杂志

To investigate the immune activation effect and mechanism of low molecular weight saccharides from Cistanche deserticola(LMSC) on mouse peritoneal macrophages, RAW264.7 cells. The RAW264.7 cells were divided into the normal control group, LPS positive control group, and LMSC treatment groups. The RAW264.7 cells were treated with various concentrations of LMSC from 3.91 to 62.5 g•L ⁻¹. The neutral red assay was employed to detect the phagocytic activity of macrophages. NO release was detected by using NO kit, and macrophage activation associated protein expression levels (TNF-α, IL-6, IKKβ, p-IKKβ, IκBα, p-IκBα, NF-κB, and p-NF-κB) were detected by Western blot. Results showed that LMSC had an activation effect on macrophages; it can significantly increase the release of NO in RAW264.7 cells and promote the expression of cytokines TNF-α and IL-6. Moreover, LMSC significantly increased the phosphorylation of IKKβ, IκBα, and NF-κB p65. Furthermore, mannitol's one of the main constituents in LMSC significantly enhanced the phagocytic activity of macrophages. These results showed that LMSC could activate macrophages by up-regulating the NF-κB signaling pathway, and mannitol may be one of the main active components in LMSC.