Affiliation:
1. Department of Biological Sciences andImmunology Laboratory, St Cloud State University, St Cloud, MN, USA
Abstract
Objective T cells orchestrate an inflammatory response that destroys pancreatic insulin-producing β cells during the development of autoimmune type 1 diabetes (T1D). Garcinia kola Heckel (GK) is a plant widely exploited in West African traditional medicine. Some of the therapeutic effects of GK nut’s extract (GKE) have been suggested to be due to its anti-inflammatory potential. Since GKE has never been investigated in a T1D experimental model, nor in the T cells’ context, we aimed to determine whether GKE exhibits antidiabetic properties and affects T cells by its anticipated anti-inflammatory action. Methods The effect of aqueous GKE (aGKE) ingestion, 100 mg/kg daily by drinking water over the period of 6 weeks, has been tested in a low-dose streptozotocin-induced (LDSTZ) mouse model of autoimmune T1D. T cells were studied in vitro and in vivo in mice treated by aGKE. Results The results showed that aGKE treatment, which started a week before induction of disease, neither delayed the development of T1D, nor reduced glycemia severity. Interestingly, aGKE treatment did affect T cells and their function, significantly decreasing the frequency of helper (TH) and cytotoxic (TC) T cells, while elevating the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, TNF-α, IL-6, and IFN-γ, and suppressing IL-2. Conclusion In conclusion, our results did not confirm the antidiabetic property of GKE, while suggesting its therapeutic exploration in TH2-dependent pathologies that benefit from an aggravated TH1 response, such as allergies.
Funder
St. Cloud State University (SCSU) Office of Research and Sponsored Programs Faculty Research Grant to MCC
Subject
Pharmacology,Immunology,Immunology and Allergy,Pharmacology,Immunology,Immunology and Allergy
Cited by
2 articles.
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