Anti-inflammatory effect of unripe apple polyphenols-chitooligosaccharides microcapsule against LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells

In order to improve the synergistic effect of unripe apple polyphenols (APP) and chitooligosaccharides (COS), apple polyphenols-chitooligosaccharides microcapsule (APCM) were prepared by spray-drying method. The effects of APCM on the release of polyphenols in simulated gastrointestinal digestion model, as well as the anti-inflammatory effect against LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells were also evaluated. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and HPLC analysis of APP and APCM showed that during the spray-drying process, most of the polyphenols are successfully encapsulated in COS. The simulated gastrointestinal digestion model results showed that about 98% of polyphenols released from APCM within 60 min. Anti-inflammatory effect of APCM on LPS induced RAW 264.7 cells showed that although APP showed a strong inhibitory effect on cell viability at 0.6 mg/mL, the effect of APCM on cell viability was less and could maintain a high level at the same concentration. In addition, APCM significantly inhibited nitric oxide (NO) and TNF-α production via the elevation of cytokine IL-10 as the concentration increases, respectively. The results suggest that APCM alleviate the intensity of inflammatory processes by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, as well as additionally by promoting the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-10. These findings provide scientific and theoretical support for the claim that traditional medicine treats inflammation-related diseases.