Induction of tumoricidal activity in mouse peritoneal macrophages by ginseng polysaccharide

This study examined the effects of ginseng polysaccharide (GPS) on mouse peritoneal macrophage (PM)mediated cytotoxicity towards K562, HL-60. or KG1 alpha cells. GPS had no direct effect on killing of tumor cells However, when mouse PMs were treated with GPS, cytotoxic activity against K562, HL-60, or KG1 alpha cells was significantly induced In addition, phagocync activity was enhanced in GPS-treated mouse PMs compared to the control. The expressions of CD68. ACP and alpha-ANE in mouse PMs were Increased by the treatment with GPS. Moreover, the levels of cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha). interleukin-1 (IL-1). IL-6 were increased and the production of nitric oxide (NO) was enhanced Taken together, these results suggest that GPS possess a potent antitumor activity by stimulating macrophage and a potentiality as an immunomodulator against diseases such as cancer. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.