Tannins and related compounds induce nitric oxide synthase and cytokines gene expressions in Leishmania major-infected macrophage-like RAW 264.7 cells

Some polyphenol-containing extracts (Pelargonium sidoides, Phyllanthus amarus) and representatives of simple phenols (shikimic acid 3- and 5-O-gallate), flavan-3-ols (epigallocatechin 3-gallate), proanthocyanidins (a hexamer) and hydrolysable tannins (corilagin, casuariin, geraniin) were studied for gene expressions (iNOS, IL-1, IL-10, IL-12, IL-18, TNF-α, IFN-α/γ) by RT-PCR. All extracts and compounds were capable of enhancing the iNOS and cytokine mRNA levels in parasitised cells when compared with those in non-infected conditions.

Some polyphenol-containing extracts and polyphenolic constituents were studied for gene expressions of iNOS, IFN-α, IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-1, IL-10, IL-12, IL-18 in Leishmania major-infected RAW cells by RT-PCR, showing remarkable inducing potentials.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide