Green mussel extract decreases the production of cytokines associated with inflammation. - GreenMedInfo Summary
A lipid extract of Perna canaliculus affects the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in a rat adjuvant-induced arthritis model.
Eur Ann Allergy Clin Immunol. 2008 Dec;40(4):148-53. PMID: 19227651
State Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine and Molecular Pharmacology, Shenzhen and Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China.
As published initially in this same journal in 2000, the lipid extract of Perna canaliculus (New Zealand green-lipped mussel; Lyprinol) is known for its anti-inflammatory effects in animal models and in human controlled studies (arthritis; asthma). As a follow-up of its effects on pain in a rat model of adjuvant-induced arthritis (ALA), we studied its effects on the production of cytokines known to be associated with inflammation (IL-6, IL-1alpha TNF-alpha, IFN-gamma). Feeding with Lyprinol was associated with significantly decreased expression levels of TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma when compared to Naproxen (positive control) and, even more when compared with sham and extra-virgin olive oil (negative control). When compared to Naproxen, sham and extra-virgin olive oil, the levels of IL-6 and IL-1alpha were also marginally decreased in rats fed with Lyprinol. This study demonstrates that AIA rats fed with Lyprinol had decreased production ofcytokines associated with inflammation.