DietaryApostichopus japonicusenhances the respiratory and intestinal mucosal immunity in immunosuppressive mice

Abstract

Although Apostichopus japonicus is recognized as a food and drug resource with significant immunomodulatory activity, its role in regulating the mucosal immunity remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the effects of dietary A. japonicus on mucosal immunity with an immunosuppressive mouse model. The expression of lysozyme, secretory immunoglobulin A(sIgA), and immunoglobulin A(IgA) as well as polymeric immunoglobulin receptor(pIgR) in respiratory and intestine organs was investigated. The results showed that A. japonicus could improve both the systematic and mucosal immunity. The expression of lysozyme, sIgA, and IgA in the respiratory organ was increased more significantly. Consumption of A. japonicus with the dose of 512 mg kg−1, which equals to 1/2 sea cucumber per day for adults, showed better effects. This study elucidated positive effects of A. japonicus on mucosal immunity for the first time, suggesting that moderate consumption of A. japonicus is helpful in improving mucosal immunity and preventing exogenous infection.

The Preventative Effect of Dietary <i>Apostichopus japonicus</i> on Intestinal Microflora Dysregulation in Immunosuppressive Mice Induced by Cyclophosphamide

“…The effect of dietary A. japonicus on mucosal immunity was discussed in our previous study [6]. Here, we focused on its effect on intestinal microflora.…”

“…They help prevent infection and remove antigens crossing the mucosal barrier [4] [5]. Our previous study had indicated that cyclophosphamide could induce the expression of lysozyme and sIgA [6]. There are a large number of bacteria inhabiting the mammalian gut, constituting the body's normal microbes [7].…”

Pharmacological Potential of Sea Cucumbers

“…Such results suggest that dietary consumption of A. japonicus would stimulate an immune system impaired by chemotherapeutic treatment. Mechanisms of these effects are complicated and related to increased lysozyme expression, increased levels of secretory immunoglobulin A in respiratory and intestinal mucous membranes, and enhanced expression of polymeric immunoglobulin receptor in respiratory tract and intestinal organs [ 141 ]. Unfortunately, today it is not yet clear what compounds contained in sea cucumber walls may be responsible for these observed effects.…”

The Modulatory Effect of Dietary <i>Apostichopus japonicus</i> on Mice with Ulcerative Colitis Induced by Trinitrobenzene Sulfonic Acid

“…The normal mice were taken saline instead as control. The A. japonicus groups were given 512 mg•kg −1 [13] sea cucumbers by gavage for 10 days respectively, while the normal and model groups were given saline as control. The body weights of mice were recorded every two days.…”

“…Sea cucumbers belong to phylum Echinodermata and have many bioactive materials such as phospholipids, and A. japonicus is a very precious sea cucumber which is popular in Asia as luxury food. It revealed that A. japonicus could restore mice intestinal mucosal immunity after being immunosuppressive [13]. Some believe that Sea cucumbers are not suitable for the UC patients, and patients are not at a good digestive absorption condition, which will make the situation even worse.…”