Abstract:
In this study, RAW 264.7 cells and immunosuppressive models were used to investigate the immunostimulatory activity of Tilapia-head chondroitin sulfate (CS) through
in vitro and
in vivo experiments. The results showed that Tilapia-head chondroitin sulfate (CS) could induce the produce of NO, IL-1
β, IL-6, IL-10 and TNF-
α in RAW 264.7 cells. Cyclophosphamide (CTX) induced thymic atrophy in mice (thymic index (0.11±0.01)%), while thymic index was significantly up-regulated by low-dose CS (0.17±0.03)% and high-dose CS (0.18±0.02)% interventions (
P<0.05). Meanwhile, CS significantly increased spleen index in CTX-induced mice (
P<0.05), promoted villus length and V/C value, with high-dose CS significantly increased villus length (330.92±21.55) μm (
P<0.05). Furthermore, CS enhanced the secretion of serum sIgA in CTX-induced mice, indicating that CS could improve intestinal barrier damage and immune function in immunosuppressive mice. Therefore, this study provides a theoretical basis for the intestinal mucosal immune regulation of Tilapia chondroitin sulfate, and suggests that Tilapia-head chondroitin sulfate (CS) is a potential immunoregulatory polysaccharide that could replace shark chondroitin sulfate, potentially serving as a promising material for functional foods aimed at intervening in immune-related diseases.