title: Coptis chinensis Franch. extract up-regulate type I helper T-cell cytokine through MAPK activation in MOLT-4 T cell.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The dried rhizome of Coptis chinensis Franch. (Huanglian) has been widely used in Asian traditional medicine. It was already known that Coptis chinensis Franch. rhizome has various pharmacological properties including its anti-oxidant, anti-cancer, and anti-inflammatory activity.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the immune-enhancement effect of the Coptis chinensis Franch. rhizome extract on helper T cells and its signaling mechanism.
  
  
  METHODS
  MOLT-4 human T cell line was used to investigate the effect of the Coptis chinensis Franch. rhizome extract. Cell viability was measured by the MTT assay and cytokine expression level was analyzed by ELISA and qRTPCR. MAPKs signal molecule's activation level was detected by immunoblotting.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The expression of IFN-γ, a cytokine of type I helper T (Th1) cell, increased; however, IL-4 was not affected by the Coptis chinensis Franch. rhizome extract. Other Th1 cytokines, such as IL-1β, IL-2, and IL-6, also increased. These data suggest that the Coptis chinensis Franch. rhizome extract activates MOLT-4 cell to Th1 cell, not type II helper T cell. Furthermore, the Coptis chinensis Franch. rhizome extract activates the Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPKs) signaling pathways.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results obtained from this study suggest that the Coptis chinensis Franch. rhizome extract should be used as an immune enhancer in anti-inflammatory medicine, adjuvant materials, and as a supplement to treat weakened immune system.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biomedical Technology, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea. Electronic address: hammer345@naver.com.
authors.forename: Eunhee
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.affiliation: Department of Biomedical Technology, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea. Electronic address: ajin0317@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Sejin
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ahn
authors.affiliation: Department of Biomedical Technology, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea. Electronic address: rheehae@kangwon.ac.kr.
authors.forename: Hae-Ik
authors.initials: HI
authors.lastname: Rhee
authors.affiliation: Department of Biomedical Technology, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea; Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea. Electronic address: dclee@kangwon.ac.kr.
authors.forename: Deug-Chan
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Lee
mesh_terms: D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000494:pharmacology*; D045744:Cell Line, Tumor; D039323:Coptis / Q000737:chemistry*; D016207:Cytokines / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004789:Enzyme Activation; D006801:Humans; D007371:Interferon-gamma / Q000378:metabolism; D007378:Interleukins / Q000378:metabolism; D020928:Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases / Q000378:metabolism*; D008517:Phytotherapy; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000494:pharmacology*; D010946:Plants, Medicinal; D027343:Rhizome / Q000737:chemistry; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000187:drug effects; D006377:T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000201:enzymology / Q000276:immunology; D013997:Time Factors; D015854:Up-Regulation
chemical_list: D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D016207:Cytokines; C573415:IFNG protein, human; D007378:Interleukins; D010936:Plant Extracts; D007371:Interferon-gamma; D020928:Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases
keywords: Coptis Chinensis Franch.; Immunomodulation; MAPKs; Traditional medicine; Type I helper T cell