Systemic Immunomodulatory Effects of Codonopsis pilosula Glucofructan on S180 Solid-Tumor-Bearing Mice

Abstract

The immune functions of the body are intricately intertwined with the onset and advancement of tumors, and immunotherapy mediated by bioactive compounds has exhibited initial effectiveness in overcoming chemotherapy resistance and inhibiting tumor growth. However, the comprehensive interpretation of the roles played by immunologic components in the process of combating tumors remains to be elucidated. In this study, the Codonopsis pilosula glucofructan (CPG) prepared in our previous research was employed as an immunopotentiator, and the impacts of CPG on both the humoral and cellular immunity of S180 tumor-bearing mice were investigated. Results showed that CPG administration of 100 mg/kg could effectively inhibit tumor growth in mice with an inhibitory ratio of 45.37% and significantly improve the expression of Interleukin-2 (IL-2), Interferon-γ (IFN-γ), and Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α). Additionally, CPG clearly enhanced B-cell-mediated humoral immunity and immune-cell-mediated cellular immunity, and, finally, induced S180 cell apoptosis by arresting cells in the G0/G1 phase, which might result from the IL-17 signaling pathway. These data may help to improve comprehension surrounding the roles of humoral and cellular immunity in anti-tumor immune responses.

Advancements in the investigation of chemical components and pharmacological properties of Codonopsis: A review

“…[133] C pilosula glucofructan, used as an immunopotentiator in previous research, has been shown to effectively inhibit tumor growth in mice. [134] C pilosula may suppress hepatocellular carcinoma growth by targeting CDK1 and influencing the PDK1/β-catenin signaling pathway, which restricts cell epithelial–mesenchymal transition and diminishes cell stemness, highlighting its potential therapeutic value in liver cancer treatment. [135]…”

Effects of Ethanol Concentrations on Primary Structural and Bioactive Characteristics of Dendrobium officinale Polysaccharides

“…Therefore, the simultaneous analysis of antioxidant and anti-tumor activities in vitro is commonly conducted by scholars when investigating the biological activity of natural substances [ 19 ]. However, often the impact of direct exposure to free radicals and tumor cells does not accurately reflect the practical applications of bioactive compounds from food raw materials, which indicates the necessity of conducting animal trials in order to ascertain the physiological effects within intricate biological milieu [ 20 ].…”