The furan nucleus is found in a large number of biologically active materials. In recent years, many natural furan derivatives were isolated and their biological effects were investigated. In this review, we focused on the anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects of some natural furans and discussed their effects on the immune system. Our investigation revealed that furan natural derivatives have effective antioxidant activities and exert regulatory effects on various cellular activities by modifying some signaling pathways such as MAPK (mitogen-activated Protein Kinase) and PPAR-ɣ (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma). The antimicrobial activity of these natural compounds was performed through selective inhibition of microbial growth and modification of enzymes. Further studies are needed for isolation and detection of different furan derivatives from natural compounds and investigation of their precise mechanisms for revealing health beneficial effects of these compounds.

5-HMF inhibited the up-regulation of total and OVA-specific IgE through the suppression of the Th2-type immune response in immunised BALB/c mice. 5-HMF could therefore be a novel therapeutic approach for the prevention of IgE-mediated allergic diseases. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

5-Hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF) is one of the most important products of maillard reaction. This study sought to elucidate the immunomodulatory effect of 5-HMF by evaluating IFN-γ and IL-4 production in BALB/c mice sensitized with ovalbumin (OVA). Four groups of BALB/c mice (n = 5 for each group) including control, vehicle and two 5-HMF (188 and 750 mg/kg bw) treatment groups were studied. Interleukin-4(IL-4) and interferon gamma (IFN-γ) levels were measured in culture supernatants of spleen cells using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. It was found that the IL-4 level was significantly suppressed in 5-HMF treatment groups compared with the vehicle group (P < .05). Moreover, the IFN-γ/IL-4 ratio was significantly increased in a dose-independent manner compared with the vehicle group (P < .05). Oral administration of 5-HMF inhibited IL-4 but not IFN-γ production by splenocytes of mice immunized with OVA. These changes may reflect that 5-HMF could be a novel therapeutic approach for prevention of (Th2) cytokine-dominant disease.

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