Korean red ginseng attenuates rhinovirus-stimulated IL-8, IL-6 responses in human nasal epithelial cells

초록

Korean red ginseng (KRG) has multiple biological activities, including antiviral effects. Here, we investigated the protective effects of KRG on human rhinovirus (HRV) infection in primary human nasal epithelial cells (HNE). After HRV infection and subsequent treatment with KRG, the mRNA and protein levels of the inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-8 and IL-6 were measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. Viral titer and Western blot assays of rhinovirus 3C protease were used to evaluate viral replication in HRV-infected cells. Western blot analysis of the expression of proteins related to NF-kappa B and MAP kinase was used to assess the mechanisms underlying the effects of KRG on HRV-induced responses. KRG significantly reduced the HRV-induced upregulation of IL-8 and IL-6 mRNA and protein levels in primary HNE cells. Moreover, KRG treatment decreased viral replication in HRV-infected primary HNE cells. KRG treatment inhibited rhinovirus-induced NF-.B and MAP kinase activation. These results suggested that KRG treatment could attenuate the inflammatory responses to HRV infection, and thus may be used to prevent HRV-induced asthma exacerbations.

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