Effect of AndoSan^™ on expression of adhesion molecules and production of reactive oxygen species in human monocytes and granulocytes in vivo

Abstract

Background. Oral intake (60 ml daily) over 12 days in eight healthy volunteers of an immunostimulatory extract based on the medicinal mushroom Agaricus blazei Murill (AbM (AndoSan^™)), reduced the monocyte and granulocyte release of mainly proinflammatory cytokines in vivo, suggesting an anti-inflammatory effect. In this foremost in vivo study, the aim was to examine the effect of such AndoSan^™ consumption on the expression of adhesion molecules CD11b, CD11c and CD62L and production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in leukocytes. Methodology/Principal findings. As shown by flow cytometry, there was a significant increase of CD62L expression on monocytes and granulocytes from before (day 0) compared with 12 days after daily AndoSan^™ consumption. However, only minor alterations and no clear trend in the expression of CD11b and CD11c were detected. Intracellular ROS (mainly superoxide ion) were significantly reduced in these cells from days 0 to 12. Conclusions/Significance. These results support that oral intake of AndoSan^™ exhibits an anti-inflammatory effect in humans in vivo.

Key Words::

• adhesion molecules
• granulocyte
• monocyte
• ROS

Acknowledgment

This work was supported by grants from the Research Council at the Oncology and Surgical Division, Ulleval University Hospital and the Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo.

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.