Regulation of cell proliferation, inflammatory cytokine production and calcium mobilization in primary human T lymphocytes by emodin from Polygonum hypoleucum Ohwi.
OBJECTIVE
This study was designed to elucidate action mechanisms of four anthraquinones identified from Polygonum hypoleucum Ohwi (P. hypoleucum Ohwi) on primary human T lymphocytes.


METHODS
The cells were isolated from peripheral blood.


METHODS
T cells were treated with 5 to 60 microM of four anthraquinones with or without phytohemagglutinin (PHA; 5 microg/ml) for 3 days. Effects of 4 anthraquinones on T lymphocyte proliferation, production and gene expression of inflammatory cytokines and intracellular free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) were determined. Data were assessed with Student's t-test.


RESULTS
On a percentage basis, emodin had the highest suppressing activity on T lymphocyte proliferation with an IC50 of 11.2 +/- 0.6 microM. Emodin decreased cytokine production, IL-2 mRNA expression, and [Ca2+]i in activated T cells.


CONCLUSIONS
We hypothesize that the inhibitory mechanisms of emodin on activated T cells proliferation are related to the impairment of cytokine production, IL-2 mRNA level and [Ca2+]i in the cells.
Kuo
Y C
YC
Laboratory of Biochemistry, National Research Institute of Chinese Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC.
Meng
H C
HC
Tsai
W J
WJ
D000328:Adult; D002118:Calcium / Q000378:metabolism*; D002455:Cell Division / Q000187:drug effects*; D016207:Cytokines / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D004642:Emodin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D015870:Gene Expression / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D007376:Interleukin-2 / Q000235:genetics; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation / Q000187:drug effects; D008297:Male; D010835:Phytohemagglutinins / Q000494:pharmacology; D037121:Plant Lectins; D019664:Polygonaceae / Q000737:chemistry*; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000032:analysis; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism
D016207:Cytokines; D007376:Interleukin-2; D010835:Phytohemagglutinins; D037121:Plant Lectins; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D004642:Emodin; D002118:Calcium