An Atopic Preventive Drink (APD) reduces Th2 cytokines in LPS-treated RAW 264.7 cells

We analyzed the effects of an Atopic Preventive Drink (APD) on the regulation of Th2 cytokines using RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. In the evaluation of nitric oxide (NO) production in cells, NO production levels were shown to be elevated only in the APD-treated group in a dose-dependent manner. In the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) with APD-treated group, NO production significantly decreased as APD concentration increased. Further, mRNA expression levels and protein concentrations of proinflammatory cytokines in cells were determined. Th2 stimulatory cytokine (IL-1β) and Th2 cytokine (IL- 6 and IL-10) levels were significantly reduced in the LPS with APD-treated group compared to the only LPS-treated group. mRNA expression levels of inflammatory-related genes (COX-2 and iNOS) were significantly reduced in the LPS with APD-treated group compared to the only LPS-treated group. These results suggest that APD has an anti-atopic effect by reducing mRNA and proteins expressions of Th2 cytokines and inflammatory-related genes.