Comparative study on the impacts of visnagin and its methoxy derivative khellin on human lymphocyte proliferation and Th1/Th2 balance

BackgroundVisnagin is a phenolic and natural compound in turmeric and fenugreek, and its anti-inflammatory effect has been indicated. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate and compare the anti-inflammatory properties of visnagin and its methoxy derivative khellin on human lymphocytes.MethodsHuman lymphocytes were treated with khellin, visnagin (10, 30, and 100 mu M), and dexamethasone (0.1 mM) in the presence of phytohemagglutinin (PHA). The levels of cell proliferation, nitric oxide (NO), glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), and MDA/GSH ratio were measured using biochemistry methods. Furthermore, the mRNA levels of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), interleukin (IL)-4, and IL-10 were assessed using real-time PCR, while IFN-gamma/IL-4(Th-1/Th-2), IFN-gamma/IL-10(Th-1/T-reg), and IL-4/IL-10(Th-2/T-reg) ratios were made by dividing their exact values.ResultsIn the PHA-stimulated group, GSH and IFN-gamma/IL-4 levels were markedly diminished, but other variables were significantly elevated compared to the control group. Khellin and visnagin significantly declined the levels of cell proliferation, MDA, MDA/GSH ratio, and NO production. Khellin and visnagin concentration-dependently diminished IFN-gamma and IL-4 levels and increased IL-10 levels compared to the PHA-stimulated group. Two higher concentrations of khellin and visnagin (30 and 100 mu M) considerably diminished the IFN-gamma, IFN-gamma/IL-10, and IL-4/IL-10 values compared to the PHA-stimulated group. However, 100 mu M of khellin and visnagin significantly increased GSH level compared to the PHA-stimulated group.ConclusionsIn PHA-stimulated lymphocytes, representing Th-2 dominant allergic diseases, khellin and visnagin provides more specific anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory functions than dexamethasone. In addition, the effects of khellin were more prominent than visnagin.

Automated summary

This study aimed to investigate and compare the anti-inflammatory properties of visnagin and its methoxy derivative khellin on human lymphocytes. The results showed that khellin and visnagin significantly reduced cell proliferation, malondialdehyde (MDA), and nitric oxide (NO) levels, and increased glutathione (GSH) and interleukin (IL)-10 levels. Khellin had a more prominent anti-inflammatory effect compared to visnagin.