본 연구에서는 울금 20% 주정 추출물이 LP-BM5 MuLV에 감염된 MAIDS 모델에서 면역조절 효과를 확인하기 위해 cytokines 생산, 혈장 면역글로불린 농도, T 세포 및 B 세포의 증식능, NK 세포의 활성능을 측정하였다. 그 결과 LPBM5 MuLV 감염으로 인하여 감소된 T 세포 및 B 세포의 증식능, NK 세포의 활성능을 울금 20% 주정 추출물 식이 투여가 증가시켰으며, Th1 type cytokines(IL-2, IFN-${gamma}$)의 생성량을 증가시키고 Th2 type cytokines(IL-4, IL-10)은 억제시킴으로써 Th1/Th2 type cytokine 발현을 조절하여 면역 항상성을 유지하는 효과를 보였다. 따라서 울금은 면역조절 효과를 가진 천연 기능성 소재로서의 가능성을 기대할 수 있다.
The immune system protects the body against harmful substances and infectious agents. Normally, the body can maintain a state of immune homeostasis. However, failure of immune homeostasis results in severe diseases when the immune system is defective. We investigated the immunomodulatory effect of Curcuma longa L. extract in LP-BM5 MuLV (murine leukemia viruses)-induced murine AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome). Mice were divided into six groups: normal control, infected control (LP-BM5 MuLV infection), positive control (LP-BM5 MuLV infection+dietary supplement of red ginseng 200 mg/kg), CL50 (LP-BM5 MuLV infection+dietary supplement of Curcuma longa L. 20% alcohol extract 50 mg/kg), CL200 (LP-BM5 MuLV infection+dietary supplement of Curcuma longa L. 20% alcohol extract 200 mg/kg), and CL500 (LP-BM5 MuLV infection+dietary supplement of Curcuma longa L. 20% alcohol extract 500 mg/kg). We found that dietary supplementation with Curcuma longa L. 20% alcohol extract inhibited elevation of spleen, lymph node, and liver weights as well as reduction of T- and B-cell proliferation and natural killer cell activity induced by LP-BM5 MuLV infection. Moreover, Curcuma longa L. 20% alcohol extract inhibited Th1 (IL-2, IFN-${gamma}$)/Th2 (IL-4, IL-10) cytokine imbalance and pro-inflammatory cytokine production. In conclusion, these data suggest that Curcuma longa L. has immunomodulatory effects in LP-BM5 MuLV-induced murine AIDS.
