Effect of Cocoa Flavanols and Their Related Oligomers on the Secretion of Interleukin-5 in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells

M.E. Gershwin,T.K. Mao,J. Van de Water,C.L. Keen,H.H. Schmitz 한국식품영양과학회 2002 Journal of medicinal food Vol.5 No.1

We previously showed that flavanols and their related oligomers (FLO) isolated from cocoacan have immunomodulatory effects on production of the cytokines interleukin-1 b (IL-1b),IL-2, and IL-4. In the present study, we examined whether selected FLO fractions isolatedfrom coa (monomer through decamer) modulate IL-5 protein secretion from resting andphytohemagglutin in (PHA)-stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). Al-though FLO fractions were unstimulatory for IL-5 secretion in resting cells, PHA-induced IL-5 release from PBMC was markedly affected by certain FLO fractions. The monomeric andsmall oligomeric (dimer and trimer) fractions enhanced PHA stimulation by 50%, 54%, and43%, respectively. In contrast, the larger oligomeric fractions (hexamer through decamer) in-hibited IL-5 release in the range of 18% to 39%; the tetramer and pentamer showed interme-diate effects. The increment in IL-5 suggests that FLO may preferentially stimulate im-munoglobulin A. We suggest that in the oral cavity this could result in reduction in the riskfor dental caries and periodontal disease. This work offers additional data for considerationof the health benefits of dietary FLO from a variety of foods, including those benefits asso-ciated specifically with consumption of some cocoas and chocolates.17

Effects of a Spirulina-Based Dietary Supplement on Cytokine Production from Allergic Rhinitis Patients

M.E. Gershwin,J. Van de Water,T.K. Mao 한국식품영양과학회 2005 Journal of medicinal food Vol.8 No.1

Spirulina represents a blue-green alga that is widely produced and commercialized as a dietary supplement formodulating immune functions, as well as ameliorating a variety of diseases. We have previously shown that the in vitrocul-ture of Spirulinawith human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) modulated the production of cytokines. In the pre-sent study, we evaluated the impact of a Spirulina-based dietary supplement (Earthrise Nutritionals, Inc., Irvine, CA) on pa-tients with allergic rhinitis by assessing the production of cytokines [interleukin (IL)-4, interferon (IFN)-., and IL-2] criticalin regulating immunoglobulin E-mediated allergy. In a randomized double-blinded crossover study versus placebo, allergicindividuals were fed daily with either placebo or Spirulina,at 1,000 mg or 2,000 mg, for 12 weeks. PBMCs isolated beforeand after the Spirulinafeeding were stimulated with phytohemagglutinin (PHA) prior to determining the levels of cytokinefrom cell culture supernatants. Although Spirulinaseemed to be ineffective at modulating the secretion of Th1 cytokines (IFN-. and IL-2), we discovered that Spirulina,administered at 2,000 mg/day, significantly reduced IL-4 levels by 32% fromPHA-stimulated cells. These results indicate that Spirulinacan modulate the Th profile in patients with allergic rhinitis bysuppressing the differentiation of Th2 cells mediated, in part, by inhibiting the production of IL-4. To our knowledge, this isthe first human feeding study that demonstrates the protective effects of Spirulinatowards allergic rhinitis.

Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: The New Epidemic and the Need for Novel Nutritional Approaches

Carlo Selmi,Christopher L. Bowlus,Carl L. Keen,M. Eric Gershwin 한국식품영양과학회 2007 Journal of medicinal food Vol.10 No.4

The epidemic of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in the United States is staggering, and there is anenormous void in our understanding of the clinical epidemiology other than the common themes of obesity and insulin re-and appropriate nutritional supplements. There is, however, a wealth of basic science that helps to set the stage for definingthe mechanisms leading to liver pathology. In this article we will attempt to put these concepts in perspective to highlight theneed for future research including the use of medicinal food.

Cocoa Flavanols and Procyanidins Can Modulate the Lipopolysaccharide Activation of Polymorphonuclear Cells In Vitro

Kenny, Thomas P.,Shu, Shang-An,Moritoki, Yuki,Keen, Carl L.,Gershwin, M. Eric The Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition 2009 Journal of medicinal food Vol.12 No.1

Flavanols and procyanidins isolated from cocoa have been reported to possess multiple activities potentially relevant to oxidant defenses, vascular function, and immune function. In a combination of in vivo and in vitro studies, we and others have observed that cocoa can be an anti-inflammatory modulator and that compounds in cocoa are capable of modulating eicosanoid production, platelet aggregation, and the pool size of nitric oxide. The present study extends these findings by examining the in vitro effects of cocoa procyanidins on polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs). PMNs, part of the innate arm of the immune system, represent 50-60% of the total peripheral white blood cells and are the first cells to be recruited to the sites of inflammation or injury secondary to bacterial infections. Herein, we demonstrate that certain flavanols and procyanidins isolated from cocoa can moderate a subset of signaling pathways derived from lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation of PMNs, mainly, PMN oxidative bursts and activation markers, and they can influence select apoptosis mechanisms. We hypothesize that flavanols and procyanidins can decrease the impact of LPS on the N-formyl-Met-Leu-Phe-primed PMN ability to generate reactive oxygen species by partially interfering in activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway.

Determination of Antigenic Proteins recognized by IgM, IgG, IgE and IgA in Bovine Neosporosis.

Yong-seung Shin,Eung-goo Lee,Jae-hoon Kim,Hwan Jang,Laurel J. Gershwin,Gee-wook Shin,Young-rim Kim,Yong-hwan Kim,Gon-sup Kim,Tae-sung Jung,Myung-deuk Suh. 대한수의학회 2003 대한수의학회 학술대회발표집 Vol.2003 No.-

Cocoa Flavanols and Procyanidins Can Modulate the Lipopolysaccharide Activation of Polymorphonuclear Cells In Vitro

Thomas P. Kenny,Shang-an Shu,Yuki Moritoki,Carl L. Keen,M. Eric Gershwin 한국식품영양과학회 2009 Journal of medicinal food Vol.12 No.1

Flavanols and procyanidins isolated from cocoa have been reported to possess multiple activities potentially relevant to oxidant defenses, vascular function, and immune function. In a combination of in vivo and in vitro studies, we and others have observed that cocoa can be an anti-inflammatory modulator and that compounds in cocoa are capable of modulating eicosanoid production, platelet aggregation, and the pool size of nitric oxide. The present study extends these findings by examining the in vitro effects of cocoa procyanidins on polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs). PMNs, part of the innate arm of the immune system, represent 50–60% of the total peripheral white blood cells and are the first cells to be recruited to the sites of inflammation or injury secondary to bacterial infections. Herein, we demonstrate that certain flavanols and procyanidins isolated from cocoa can moderate a subset of signaling pathways derived from lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation of PMNs, mainly, PMN oxidative bursts and activation markers, and they can influence select apoptosis mechanisms. We hypothesize that flavanols and procyanidins can decrease the impact of LPS on the N-formyl-Met-Leu-Phe-primed PMN ability to generate reactive oxygen species by partially interfering in activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway.

Identification of antigenic proteins from Neospora caninum recognized by bovine immunoglobulins M, E, A and G using immunoproteomics

Shin, Yong-seung,Lee, Eung-goo,Shin, Gee-wook,Kim, Young-rim,Lee, Eun-young,Kim, Jae-hoon,Jang, Hwan,Gershwin, Laurel J.,Kim, Dae-yong,Kim, Yong-hwan,Kim, Gon-sup,Suh, Myung-deuk,Jung, Tae-sung WILEY-VCH Verlag 2004 Proteomics Vol.4 No.11

<P>Antigenic proteins of Neospora caninum (N. caninum) against bovine immunoglobulins M, E, A, and G were investigated by using immunoproteomics. Proteins of N. caninum (KBA-2) tachyzoite lysates separated by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis were transferred to polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) membranes, probed with different bovine immunoglobulin class and classified. Antigenic spots recognized were also identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight-mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) analysis. 132, 84, 4, and 40 antigenic protein spots were recognized on N. caninum immunoblot profiles against bovine IgM, IgE, IgA, and IgG, respectively. Of these protein spots, the antigenic proteins recognized by either IgM, IgE, and IgG, or IgM and IgG were HSP70, pyruvate kinase, actin, NCDG-1, tubulin α-chain, and putative ribosomal protein S2. On the other hand, IgM, IgE, and IgA reacted with NTPase, HSP60, tubulin β-chain, putative protein disulfide isomerase, enolase, lactate dehydrogenase, serine-threonine phosphatase, 14-3-3 protein homologue, and GRA2 protein. Most of the antigenic proteins identified were associated with the process of invasion, proliferation, and egression of apicomplexans. In our study, HSP70, actin, NTPase, HSP60, pyruvate kinase, enolase, putative ribosomal protein S2, NCDG-1, and GRA2 proteins were found to be immunodominant proteins, which may contribute to the development of diagnostic markers and vaccine.</P>