Cytokine production by human lymphocytes stimulated by a herbal compound containing Bupleurum (KY88 LIVER LIVO)

Abstract

AIM: Compounds containing Bupleurum possess immunomodulating effects. KY88 LIVER LIVO (KY88) is a blend of such compound. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of KY88 on the production of cytokines by lymphocytes in vitro. METHODS: Seventy Sprague Dawley rats were used of which 40 were orally fed with 4 mg purified KY88 for 35 d. Normal human lymphocytes were isolated and cultured in standard conditions. The culture medium was collected at zero and 72 h after the KY88 treatment. The cytokines, including interleukin-1 (IL-1), IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor- (TNF-), and interferon-, were measured by ELISA kits. RESULTS: TNF- levels in the supernatant of cultured human lymphocytes significantly increased after the treatment of PHA and KY88. The mean levels were (855±251), (399±145), and (176±49) ng/L after the treatment with KY88 at the concentrations of 10, 1 and 0.1 g/mL respectively. However, the level in the control group without specific treatment was only (68±4) ng/L. The difference between KY88 10 g/mL and control groups was significant (P<0.05). All other cytokines did not show significant variations between KY88 and the control groups. KY88 may regulate the immune function through the induction of TNF- expression.