Immunomodulatory activity of triticum aestivum and its effects on Thl/Th2 cytokines and NFκB P 65 response

Abstract

Triticum aestivum which refers to the young grass of the common wheat plant has become extremely popular in treating a variety of health conditions. In this study we have investigated the mmunomodulatory activity of Triticum aestivum water extract in Swiss albino mice and its effect >n Thl/Th2 cytokine production by spleen cells. Female Swiss albino mice were challenged with 3heep Red Blood Cells (SRBC) and treated with either Triticum aestivum 540 mg kg -1 or prednisolone 5 mg kg -1 body weight for 15 days. Blood was collected from retroorbital plexus to)erform hematological, serological and bone marrow cellularity evaluation. Thl/Th2 cytokines and he p65 subunit of the nuclear factor kappa B (NFkB) were estimated in the splenocytes by ELISA rom supernatants of splenocyte culture. Antioxidant activity of Triticum aestivum was assessed)y using DPPH (2,2'-diphenyl-l-picrylhydrazyl) Assay. Water extract of Triticum aestivum was bund to increase White Blood Cells (WBC), Red Blood Cells (RBC) and Hemoglobin (Hb):oncentration in both normal and myelosuppressed Swiss albino mice. Furthermore, there was iignificant increase in bone marrow cellularity and hemagglutinin (antibody to SRBC) titer in mimals treated with Triticum aestivum compared to control group. Triticum aestivum water extract upregulated Thl cytokines (TNF-α, IL-2 and IFN- γ) and Th2 cytokine (IL4). In contrast, IL-1β (a Thl cytokine) and P65 subunit of NFkB were suppressed in groups treated with Triticum lestivum. Moreover, Triticum aestivum extract restored Prednisolone suppressed TNF--α and IL-2:ytokines. Triticum aestivum appears to have a significant role in immunity and our findings:onfirm its beneficial role in hemoglobin concentration. Furthermore, the results on Th response iuggest a potential role for Triticum aestivum in Thl modulation and thus it's potential role, as a:andidate drug for inflammatory disorders including cancer management should be explored. © 2012 Academic Journals Inc.