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HS-23, a Lonicera japonica extract, reverses sepsis-induced immunosuppression by inhibiting lymphocyte apoptosis

Authors Kim, So-Jin; Kim, Joon-Sung; Choi, Hyo-Sun; Kim, Young-Mok; Hong, Sung-Woon; Yeon, Sung Hum; Kim, Yeon; Lee, Sun-Mee

Journal JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY , AUG 2 2015,:171

DOI 10.1016/j.jep.2015.05.049 PubMed 26068428

Abstract Ethnopharmacological relevance: Lonicera japonica Thunberg, a widely used traditional Chinese medicine, possesses antibacterial, antiviral, and antiendotoxin activities. This study investigated the molecular mechanisms of HS-23, the ethanol extract of the dried flower buds of L japonica, on sepsis-induced immunosuppression.Materials and methods: Male ICR mice were intravenously administered HS-23 (10, 20, and 40 mg/1<g) immediately (0 h) and 22 h after cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). The spleen was isolated for biochemical assays 24 h after CLP.Results: HS-23 improved sepsis-induced mortality. CLP induced a marked decrease in the number of splenocytes, B cells, and natural killer cells, which was attenuated by HS-23. HS-23 also attenuated CLPinduced apoptosis in CD4(+) and CD8 T cells and inhibited both the intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic pathway in the spleen. HS-23 attenuated the CLP-induced decrease in interleukin (IL)-17 production. CLP significantly decreased splenic production of tumor necrosis factor-a and IL-2, and these effects were attenuated by HS-23.Conclusion: Our findings suggest that HS-23 reverses immunosuppression during the late phase of sepsis by inhibiting lymphocyte apoptosis and enhancing Thl cytokine production. HS-23 warrants further evaluation as a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of sepsis. o 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Species covered 忍冬 Lonicera japonica