Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Biomass Extracts of the Bay Mushroom, Imleria badia (Agaricomycetes), in RAW 264.7 Cells.

The popular edible bay mushroom, Imleria badia, is rich in phenolic and indole compounds, unsaturated fatty acids, and elements that have anti-inflammatory activity, including zinc. The aim of this study was to evaluate the pro- or anti-inflammatory impact of I. badia biomass extracts on RAW 264.7 cells. We analyzed the influence of I. badia extracts and/or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) cotreatment on the fatty acid profile of cell membranes. We also analyzed cyclooxygenase-2, prostaglandin E synthase, glutathione S transferase Mul, and nuclear factor (NF)-κB p50 and p65 protein expression, as well as the activity of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ and NF-κB transcription factors. Incubation of cells with I. badia extracts resulted in a decreased expression of cyclooxygenase-2 and prostaglandin E2 synthase when compared with the LPS-activated macrophages. Glutathione S transferase Mul expression increased after incubation of cells with I. badia extracts. p50 And p65 NF-κB protein levels were lower in macrophages after extract treatment. Lower activity of NF-κB and higher activity of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ was observed in cells treated with I. badia extracts in the presence of LPS when compared with cells activated by LPS alone. Our findings suggest the anti-inflammatory properties of I. badia biomass extracts from in vitro cultures, which could contribute to the development of new strategies in the treatment of inflammation.