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Inflammatory mRNA Response in Leukocytes is Influenced by Consumption of a Green Tea (Camellia sinensis) Formula
Author(s) -
Rowe Cheryl A.,
Nantz Meri P.,
HerrlingerGarcia Kelly,
Knutson Mitch,
Bukowski Jack F.,
Percival Susan S.
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.21.5.a367-b
Subject(s) - peripheral blood mononuclear cell , immune system , messenger rna , antigen , immunostimulant , in vivo , camellia sinensis , biology , chemistry , microbiology and biotechnology , immunology , in vitro , andrology , biochemistry , medicine , gene , botany
Post‐absorptive metabolism of L‐theanine, an amino acid unique to tea ( Camellia sinensis) results in formation of glutamic acid and ethylamine (EA). EA resembles an antigenic bacterial component and is thought to prime gamma delta T cells in vivo, After 21 d of consumption of a standardized, L‐theanine‐containing green tea formula (GTF), peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were isolated from the blood of study subjects. PBMC were placed into culture with or without EA for 24 h then analyzed by targeted microarray analysis. Real time quantitative PCR confirmed the microarray data. GTF consumption alone increased levels of IL‐8 mRNA by 2‐fold.. EA stimulation after GTF consumption, as compared to before, showed a 3‐fold lower increase in IL‐8 mRNA levels. In contrast, GTF consumption alone had no effect on IFN gamma mRNA expression, though EA stimulation after GTF consumption, as compared to before, showed a 3‐fold lower increase in interferon gamma mRNA expression. In summary, dietary intervention with GTF containing gamma delta T cell‐specific antigens produced a differential effect on the mRNA expression of two pro‐inflammatory cytokines, and may explain the largely beneficial effects of GTF on immune function and prevention of cold and flu symptoms. Funded in part by UF/IFAS AES, Nature Trade Center, Inc., and Taiyo International, Inc.