Effect of Hizikia fusiforme Water Extracts on Splenocyte Proliferation and Cytokine Production in Mice

摘要

Hizilda fusiforme (seaweed fusiforme) has long been used as a food source mainly in Korea and Japan. This study was performed to evaluate the immunomodulative effects of Hizikia fusiforme in mice. Hizikia fusiforme water extracts (0, 50, and 500 mg/kgb.w.) were orally administrated into the mice every other day, for four weeks. The proliferation of splenocytes, as well as the levels of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1J3, IL-6, and TNF-a) secreted by activated macrophages were measured. Splenocyte proliferation was enhanced in the experimental groups compared to that of the control group. Also, the mice with Hizilda fusiforme water extracts supplementation in both concentrations showed increased levels of cytokine production by activated peritoneal macrophages compared to those in the control group. The highest levels of cytokine (IL-ip, IL-6, TNF-a) production were observed in the 50 mg/kg b.w. supplementation group stimulated by LPS for all three cytokines. The results of this study showed that the supplementation of Hizilda fusiforme water extracts may enhance the immune function by regulating the splenocytes proliferation and the cytoldne production by activated macrophages. Further studies are needed to identify the stimulative and im-munomodulating components of Hizikia fusiforme.