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Differential effects of white button mushrooms (WBM), portabella (PM), and shiitake (SM) on IL‐18 secretion by lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐treated mice: implication on risk of infection and chronic inflammation

IL‐18, a cytokine previously called IFN‐gamma inducing factor and primarily secreted by macrophages and dendritic cells, plays a crucial role in immunity against viruses and intracellular pathogens. IL‐18 blockade increases infection severity. Mushrooms (i.e. SM) have been used in ancient medicine for treatment and prevention of infections. However, their effect on IL‐18 secretion is unknown. We hypothesize that one of the mechanisms by which mushrooms protect from infections is by IL‐ 18 induction. Eight week‐old C56BL/6 mice were fed either the AIN76 diet or the same diet fortified with 5% lyophilized WBM, PM, or SM (n=11–12) for 6 weeks. Mice were euthanized 2 h after receiving an ip. injection of 50 μg LPS. Plasma IL‐18 was assayed by ELISA. In LPS‐untreated mice, while PM and SM reduced IL‐ 18 median plasma levels by 20% and 10% respectively, WBM had no effect. In LPS‐treated mice, PM reduced median IL‐18 levels by 25%. LPS injection increased plasma IL‐18 levels by ~ 3 fold (p<0.05). Mushrooms ± LPS did not alter the weights of body, spleen, thymus, heart and kidneys. Multiple regression analysis suggested that spleen and kidney weights were positively (p <0.05) associated with IL‐18 levels probably due to macrophages. Data suggest that mushrooms may not modulate the risk of infection via IL‐18. However, PM may modulate the risk of inflammatory conditions induced by chronic infection through IL‐18 reduction. Supported by Mushroom Council/USDA Grant 580790706 and Oklahoma State University