This study was undertaken to determine the effects of Pyracantha fortuneana (Maxim.) Li polysaccharides (PFP) on antioxidant and immune functions in mice. Results from this study showed that PFP administration significantly increased thymus and spleen indices, promoted splenocyte proliferation and natural killer (NK) cell activity, and elevated CD4 T cell numbers as well as CD4(+)/CD8(+) ratios. PFP also increased interleukin-2 (IL-2) levels, and decreased the levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) in splenocytes. In addition, PFP treatment led to remarkable increases in glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities, and dramatic decreases in malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in splenocytes. Moreover, PFP increased mRNA and protein expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf2) in splenocytes. Taken together, these results suggest that PFP treatment enhances the immune function and decreases the oxidative stress in mice.
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