ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Alginic acid has anti-anaphylactic effects and inhibits inflammatory cytokine expression via suppression of nuclear factor- Kappa B activation

• Published in: Clinical and experimental allergy 2006-06, Vol.36 (6), p.785-794
• Main Authors: Jeong, HJ, Lee, SA, Moon, P D, Na, HJ, Park, R K, Um, J Y, Kim, H M, Hong, SH
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0954-7894; 1365-2222
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2222.2006.02508.x

Background: Alginic acid is comprised of complex polymerized polysaccharides, and can be chemically extracted from seaweed. Alginic acid has an inhibitory effect on histamine release, but its molecular mechanisms are not well understood. Objective: To investigate the effect of alginic acid on the mast cell-mediated anaphylactic and inflammatory reaction using in vivo and in vitro models and elucidate its molecular mechanisms. Materials and method: The effect of alginic acid on an allergy model was analysed by anaphylaxis, a histidine decarboxylase (HDC) assay, and a histamine assay. Cytokine production was analysed by means of ELISA. Cytokine expression was analysed by means of RT-PCR, and Western blotting. Transcription factor activity was analysed by a luciferase assay and a transcription factor-enzyme linked immunoassay. Results: Alginic acid dose dependently inhibited compound 48-80-induced systemic anaphylaxis with doses of 0.25-1 g-kg 1 h (P