Immuno Modulatory Effects of Bergapten Attenuates D-galactose-induced Aging Model in Balb/C Mice

Background and Objective: Aging is featured by many mechanisms of protective immunity exhibit defects. Bergapten (BG), is a furanocoumarin derived from herbal and citrus extracts can act as antioxidant and selective anticancer agents. However, its immune regulation properties have not been well documented. The current study aimed to investigate whether bergapten would attenuate immuno senescence and to explore its immuno modulatory effect on immune responses in D-galactose-induced aging Balb/C mice. Materials and Methods: In the beginning of the experiment, survival test was performed on infected aging Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) mice with bergapten treatment. Male Balb/C mice were separated into normal or D-galactose-induced aging model. Production of serum cytokines such as anti-oxidant enzyme and malondialdehyde (MDA) were determined. Then, the model group was separated into three subgroups that were treated with BG and normal diet for 14 days by oral gavage, respectively. Namely groups D-gal+BG (20, 100 mg kg(-1)) groups and D-gal group. Flow cytometric analysis and enzymeactivity assays were used in isolated splenocytes. Modulatory effects of bergapten on T cell proliferation and the production of IFN gamma and IL-4 were also investigated. Results: BG (20 or 100 mg kg(-1)) group reverses body weight and spleen index in aging progress significantly. Further experimental results showed that BG (20 mg kg(-1)) treatment not only promoted T cell proliferation but also up-regulated IFN gamma and IL-4 cytokinesin aging mice. Moreover, BG (20 mg kg(-1)) treatment enhanced Th and Tc responses, which may participate in the process of eliminating the virus in an old age. Conclusion: This in vivo study firstly shown that bergapten has immuno modulate effect against D-galactose induces aging Balb/C mice.