Effects of the Mushroom - Garlic Mixed Extract on the Inflammatory Response and Immune Recovery After γ-Radiation Exposure

In this study, active ingredients were extracted from four types of mushrooms and garlic, mixed in an appropriate ratio, and orally administered to experimental mouse models to determine their effects on the inflammatory response and immune recovery after γ-radiation exposure. The white blood cell count and immunoglobulin G levels were determined in the extract-administered experimental group after γ-radiation exposure. Additionally, immune cell activity and cell cycle were investigated via gene expression analysis and flow cytometry, respectively. In the mixed-M/G2 extract-administered experimental group, expression levels of the cytokines involved in immune regulation, interleukin (IL)-10 and IL-2, were increased, whereas those of cytokines promoting the inflammatory response, tumor necrosis factor-α and IL-6, were decreased. The percentages of CD11b and CD8 cells were 62.99 and 19.88%, respectively, with a higher proportion of immune cells in the experimental group than in the control group. Furthermore, the percentage of cells in the G0/G1 phase increased to 76.59%, whereas that of cells in the S phase decreased to 12.52%, confirming cell cycle recovery in the extract-administered experimental group.