Planta Med 2004; 70(10): 924-928
DOI: 10.1055/s-2004-832618
Original Paper
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Gene Expression Profiles of Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase and Cytokines in Leishmania major-Infected Macrophage-Like RAW 264.7 Cells Treated with Gallic Acid

Oliver A. Radtke1 , Albrecht F. Kiderlen2 , Oliver Kayser3 , Herbert Kolodziej1
  • 1Institut für Pharmazeutische Biologie, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
  • 2Abteilung für Infektionskrankheiten, Robert Koch-Institut, Berlin, Germany
  • 3Institut für Pharmazeutische Biotechnologie, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
Further Information

Publication History

Received: April 6, 2004

Accepted: July 28, 2004

Publication Date:
18 October 2004 (online)

Abstract

The effects of gallic acid on the gene expressions of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and the cytokines interleukin (IL)-1, IL-10, IL-12, IL-18, TNF-α, and interferon (IFN)-γ were investigated by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The experiments were performed in parallel in non-infected and in L. major-infected RAW 264.7 cells and the expression profiles were compared with those mediated by IFN-γ plus lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The infection per se induced the expression first of IL-1 and TNF-α mRNA, later that of IL-10 mRNA. Gallic acid induced low and transient levels of TNF-α and IL-10 in non-infected cells, and it clearly enhanced and prolonged iNOS and cytokine mRNA expressions in Leishmania-parasitised cells. Interestingly, and in contrast to activation by IFN-γ/LPS, gallic acid also stimulated Leishmania-infected cells to produce IFN-γ mRNA. For IFN-α, a sandwich immunoassay was performed to determine its amount present in the supernatant of gallic acid-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. In showing predominant stimulation of infected cells and the induction especially of IFN-γ, a cytokine that plays a central role in antimicrobial macrophage and T cell regulation, these data provide the basis for an immunological concept of gallic acid and possibly other plant polyphenols for their beneficial effects in various infectious conditions.

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Professor Dr. Herbert Kolodziej

Institut für Pharmazie

Pharmazeutische Biologie

Freie Universität Berlin

Königin-Luise-Str. 2+4

14195 Berlin

Germany

Fax: +49-30-838-53729

Email: kolpharm@zedat.fu-berlin.de

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