Ganoderma lucidum induces the expression of CD40/CD86 on peripheral blood monocytes

The major immuno-modulating effects of Ganoderma lucidum include mitogenicity and activation of immune effector cells such as T cells, macrophages and natural killer cells resulting in the production of cytokines. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the expression of CD40 and CD80 by G. lucidum-treated human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Monocytes were isolated and incubated at 37°C and 5% CO[2] for 24 h and 48 h in the presence or absence of different concentrations of G. lucidum. Cells were then incubated with labelled monoclonal antibodies against CD14, CD40 and B7-1[CD80] molecules utilizing standard protocols, and analyzed by flow cytometry. The results showed that incubation of monocytes with G. lucidum led to marked enhancement of CD40 and B7-1 expression in a doseand time- dependent manner [p < 0.001]. G. lucidum was more effective in enhancing the expression of CD80 and CD40 molecules of cells obtained from females than male donors [p < 0.001]. G. lucidum enhanced the expression of CD40 and CD80 molecules on peripheral blood monocytic cells derived from both sexes in a dosedependent manner, with a preferential higher effect on cells obtained from female donors

Effects of T-2 toxin on cytokine production by mice peritoneal macrophages and lymph node T-cells

T-2 toxin is a mycotoxin of type A trichothecenes produced by several fungal genera such as Fusarium species. Mycotoxins can affect both cell mediated and humoral immune compartments. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of T-2 toxin on cytokine production by mouse peritoneal macrophages and lymph node T cells. Mouse peritoneal macrophages and lymph node T cells were isolated and treated with different concentrations of T-2 toxin and incubated at 37°C and 5% CO2 in air for 48 hours. Cell free media were removed and used for cytokine assay by an ELISA method. T-2 toxin significantly reduced IL-1beta release in a concentration dependent manner [p < 0.005, p < 0.001]. Interleukin-12 and TNF-alpha production were significantly increased in response to 0.001ng/ml, 0.01ng/ml and 0.1ng/ml of T-2 toxin [p < 0.001]. However, T-2 toxin at higher concentrations ranging from 1ng/ml to 100ng/ml, reduced both IL-12 [p < 0.001] and TNF-beta production [p < 0.005, p < 0.05]. The effects of T-2 toxin on lymph node T cells showed that IL-4 and IL-10 release was decreased in a concentration dependent manner [all with p < 0.01]. T-2 toxin at concentrations between 1ng/ml and 100ng/ml reduced the release of both IL-2 and IFN-gamma [p < 0.05, p < 0.001]. The results suggest that T-2 toxin at low concentrations can highly induce secretion of IL-12, TNF-alpha, IFN-gamma and IL-2 and it may be used as a positive immunomodulator in the human model

Microbial quality of cooked meat foods in Tehran University's restaurants

Evaluation of microbial load of cooked meat in university restaurants. Two hundred sixteen samples from four types of consumed foods in six clinical and educational centres were assessed for bacterial contamination by standard methods. There was no contamination with Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes. Mean of total bacterial and coliform counts in grilled ground meat samples were 1.14 x 10[5] CFU/g and 1.98 x 10[2] CFU/g respectively. Twenty one [38.9%] out of 54 examined samples of grilled ground meat had E. coli contamination and S. aureus were found in 30 [55.6%] samples. Mean quantity of total bacterial contamination were 2.85 x 10[2] CFU /g for fish samples and there was no presence with coliforms or other pathogenic bacteria in this food. Some foods [especially grilled ground meat] had contamination loads which were higher than accepted standards. Omitting grilled ground meat from food schedule, especially in warm seasons, may reduce the hazard of food poisoning

Effect of ganoderma lucidum on cytokine release by peritoneal macrophages

The water-soluble extract of Ganoderma lucidum [Reishi] has been used as an immunomodulator to stimulate spleen cells proliferation and cytokine expression. To investigate the effect of Ganoderma lucidum [G. lucidum] on cytokine production by mice peritoneal macrophages. Mice peritoneal macrophages were prepared by intra-peritoneal injection of 5 ml cold PBS. Peritoneal macrophages were plated out at 1X106 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 370C and 5% CO2 for 48 hours. Cell free medium was removed and used for cytokine assay by ELISA method [Bender med system]. 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]. 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