Inhibitory Effects of Chloroform Extracts Derived from Corbicula fluminea on the Release of Pro-inflammatory Cytokines

Abstract

Corbicula fluminea, the primary freshwater bivalve cultivated in Taiwan, was formerly used as a remedy for hepatitis. Recent reports indicate that C. fluminea has many bioactivities, but it remains unknown whether C. fluminea affects inflammation. This study explored the anti-inflammatory activity of C.fluminea. C. fluminea was first treated with chloroform to obtain clam chloroform extracts (CCEs). On the basis of the assay for the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines in vitro and in vivo, the results show that the CCEs significantly lowered the release of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced pro-inflammatory cytokines. Additionally, the CCEs reduced LPS-induced organ damage. Real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis suggested that CCEs inhibit the LPS-induced mRNA expression of interleukin-1 beta and tumor necrosis factor-alpha. Western blot analysis indicated that the CCEs increased expression of I kappa B and attenuated the phosphorylation of I kappa B. Gas chromatography mass spectrometry suggests that phytosterols and fatty adds are responsible for the anti-inflammatory properties of CCEs. Taken together, CCEs have the potential to be developed as an anti-inflammatory functional food.