Increased proliferation, however, does not necessarily means a positive response because even cells from tolerant mice are able to respond vigorously to mitogen stimulus [38].

The LPS of gram-negative bacteria is a potent stimulator of macrophages. Binding of LPS to toll-like receptor 4 in the cell surface triggers various inflammatory events such as the synthesis of inducible NO synthase and the production of both proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines. It is well ABT-737 chemical structure known that IFN-γ acts synergistically with LPS in triggering these events in adaptive immune response. Our results show that peritoneal macrophages from mice of all experimental groups were similarly responsive selleck kinase inhibitor to LPS + IFN-γ, producing comparable levels of nitrite, TNF-α, and IL-10 in culture supernatants. However, peritoneal macrophages from mice fed FOS released significant lower levels of IL-1β, thus indicating that yacon consumption may induce an anti-inflammatory state in macrophages, because IL-1β production is one of the first intracelular events after macrophage stimulation

[39]. Several studies convey the importance of healthy microbiota in maintaining the intestinal tract’s physiological and immunologic functions, including inducing tolerance to exogenous antigens such as those present in the diet [40]. The immune response against pathogens is characterized by the recognition of molecular patterns combined with strong innate responses, followed by an adaptive response to eliminate the offending agent, which often results in damage to the host’s tissues. The response toward components of the symbiotic microbiota, however, is characterized by a complex integrated system of microbial recognition and inhibition of immune effector activation [36]. This process involves both the maintenance of a significant number of macrophages and dendritic cells

in a state of immaturity and an appropriate balance between regulatory T lymphocytes and “inflammatory” T-lymphocyte subsets such as Th1 and Th17 [41]. It is possible that yacon FOS binds directly Fossariinae to dendritic cells present in the intestinal mucosa and modulate its activity to a tolerogenic profile. Although literature data indicate this possibility [42], we have no evidence yet to confirm these data. Despite that yacon is being used in folk medicine for long time, well-designed clinical studies testing the effects of regular yacon consumption in humans are still necessary. In conclusion, the results support our hypothesis that regular consumption of yacon improves the balance of the peripheral immune system in the mouse. This conclusion is based on the increased levels of intestinal IgA in mice and a reduced production of the inflammatory cytokine IL-1β in peritoneal macrophages.