바다제비집 추출물의 MAPKs 및 NF-κB 신호전달을통한 대식세포 면역 활성 효과

Abstract

The edible bird’s nest (EBN; the nest of the swiftlet) has become a popular and expensive healing dish in Asia and around the world. Swiftlet nests are believed to be rich in nutrients and to exert various physiological functions. However, evidence for these claims is still lacking. In this study, we evaluated the immunostimulatory effects of the EBN in a RAW 264.7 macrophage model. The results showed that EBN significantly enhanced phagocytosis without cytotoxicity. EBN significantly increased nitric oxide (NO) production, which was associated with an increased expression of inducible NO synthase. EBN also increased the gene expression of cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). These immunostimulatory effects were mediated by the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPKs), including extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), p38, and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), along with nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB). Taken together, these findings provide scientific evidence for the potential immune-enhancing effects of the swiftlet nest through macrophage activation. © 2024 The Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition.