Immunomodulation of Human Blood Phagocytes by Orbignya phalerata Mart. Plus IFN-γ and TGF-β Cytokines
D. G. Cantarini
Institute of Biological and Health Science, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Barra do Garças, MT, Brazil, Rodovia BR070, Barra do Garças, MT, Brazil
J. C. D. Rosa
Institute of Biological and Health Science, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Barra do Garças, MT, Brazil, Rodovia BR070, Barra do Garças, MT, Brazil
L. G. R. Venturini
Institute of Biological and Health Science, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Barra do Garças, MT, Brazil, Rodovia BR070, Barra do Garças, MT, Brazil
J. P. M. O. Silva
Institute of Biological and Health Science, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Barra do Garças, MT, Brazil, Rodovia BR070, Barra do Garças, MT, Brazil
A. C. Honorio-França *
Institute of Biological and Health Science, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Barra do Garças, MT, Brazil, Rodovia BR070, Barra do Garças, MT, Brazil
E. L. França
Institute of Biological and Health Science, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Barra do Garças, MT, Brazil, Rodovia BR070, Barra do Garças, MT, Brazil
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aims: Babassu is the popular name of the palm Orbignya phalerata Mart. That belongs to the family of Arecacae (Palmae). Some studies have attributed biological properties to this plant’s fruit; however, there are few studies evaluating the biological properties of its leaves. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential for the extract from Babassu leaves to be a possible immunomodulator of the functional activity of blood mononuclear phagocytes (MN) incubated with the bacteria Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) in the presence of IFN-γ and TGF-β cytokines.
Study Design: Experimental study of in vitro cell immunomodulation by medicinal plants plus cytokines.
Place and Duration of Study: Institute of Biological and Health Science, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Barra do Garças, MT, Brazil, between June 2012 and July 2014.
Methodology: Mononuclear (MN) phagocytes were separated from blood by density gradient using Ficoll Paque. The cells were incubated with EPEC in the presence or absence of plant extract and IFN-γ and TGF-β cytokines. A control was performed using only cells (spontaneous group). The functional activity was evaluated by superoxide anion release, phagocytosis and bactericidal activity.
Results: There was a significant increase (p<0.05) in the superoxide release by phagocytes in all groups that were incubated with plant extract. In the presence of IFN-γ and TGF-β cytokines plus plant extract, was observed lower (p<0.05) superoxide release and increased in phagocytosis and bactericidal activity.
Conclusion: Babassu extract is a potent immunostimulator of mononuclear phagocytes and a natural alternative that can be applied for the benefit of human health, specifically in infectious diseases.
Keywords: Orbignya phalerata Mart, EPEC, phagocytes, cytokines