Characterization of human monocytes activation by a water soluble preparation of Aphanizomenon flos-aquae

JANA vol. 2 (3): 59-65 Phytomedicine vol. 8 (6): 445-453

Author(s): N. Pugh, D.S. Pasco

ABSTRACT

Aphanizomenon flos-aquae (AFA) is fresh water microalgae that is consumed as a nutrient-dense food source and for its health enhancing properties. The current research characterizes the effect of a water soluble preparation from known agents that modulate the immune system. At 0.5 ng/ml the AFA extract robustly activated nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappa B) directed luciferase expression in THP-1 human monocytic cells to levels at 50% of those achieved by maximal concentrations (10 ng/ml) of bacterial lipopoly saccharine (LPS). In addition, the AFA extract substantially increased mRNA levels of interleukin-1B (1L-1B) and tumor necrosis factor-(x (TNF-(x), and enhanced the DNA binding activity of NF-kappa B. The effects of AFA water soluble preparation were similar to the responses displayed by LPS, but clearly different from responses exhibited by tetradecanoyl phordol acetate (TPA) and interferon-gamma (INF-y). Pretreatment of THP-1 monocytes with factors known to induce hyproesponsiveness suppressed both AFA-dependent and LPS-dependent activation. These results suggest that the macrophage-activating properties of the AFA water soluble preparation are mediated through pathways that are similar to LPS-dependent activation.

<< back

TESTIMONIES

"As I reflect on our experience with Julia, the word that comes to mind is "resilience." Julia is our 19-year-old cat, and she has been on Bluegreen Body algae for over a year. We began feeding her the product when we noticed some decline in her attitude that we attributed to old age. Since then, she has had a number of diagnoses that are common in old cats (hyperthyroidism, cardiomyopathy, recurrent cystitis, and renal disease). We treated her medically and continued the Bluegreen Body. With each new episode of illness, we know it might be her last. But, she has repeatedly surprised me by bouncing back and continuing her highly spoiled lifestyle. In recent months, we have added a sprinkle of enzymes to her food. With this addition, her appetite improved (a plus!) and she has had less of a problem with constipation. In my experience, it´s unusual that an old animal is able to repeatedly survive several different health problems. I attribute Julia´s survival to both good medical management and to lots of TLC. One of the ways our TLC is manifested is by including algae and enzymes in her diet."
- Dr. Mary Walser, VMD, Ph.D
Professor of Pathology, Univ. of Minnesota