Anti-inflammatory effect of germanium-concentrated yeast against paw oedema is related to the inhibition of arachidonic acid release and prostaglandin E2 production in RBL 2H3 cells

Abstract

To investigate anti-inflammatory activity of organic germanium, we measured the effect of germanium-concentrated yeast on arachidonic acid release, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production, histamine release, and intracellular H2O2 or hydroperoxide generation in RBL 2H3 cells, and carrageenan-induced paw oedema in rats. Germanium-concentrated yeast dose-dependently inhibited carrageenan-induced paw oedema, suggesting that germanium-concentrated yeast has anti-inflammatory activity in acute inflammation. Germanium-concentrated yeast significantly inhibited melittin-induced arachidonic acid release and PGE2 production in RBL 2H3 cells. Germanium-concentrated yeast did not affect melittin-induced histamine release and silica-induced intracellular H2O2 or hydroperoxide generation in RBL 2H3 cells. These results suggest that anti-inflammatory activity of germanium-concentrated yeast appears partly to be related to the inhibition of arachidonic acid release and PGE2 production in RBL 2H3 cells. © 2005 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.