Phytoglycoprotein (75 kDa) isolated from Cudrania tricuspidata Bureau inhibits expression of interleukin-4 in the presence of di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate via modulation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase in primary-cultured mouse thymocytes

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to determine the inhibitory effect of a glycoprotein isolated from Cudrania tricuspidata Bureau (CTB glycoprotein) on di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP)-induced differentiation of T helper (Th) type 2 cells in primary cultured thymocytes. The results obtained from this study revealed that the CTB glycoprotein in the presence of DEHP produces an antioxidative activity against intracellular reactive oxygen species production in cells. In addition, the activities of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase and GATA-binding protein 3 were decreased by treatment with the CTB glycoprotein (100 microg ml(-1)). The CTB glycoprotein also has an inhibitory effect on the expressions of interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-10 induced by DEHP in thymocytes. Hence, we speculate that the CTB glycoprotein might be one component for preparation of health supplements for prevention of Th2 cell response-related immune diseases.