Attenuation of Chemotherapy-Associated Immune Suppression Markers by Socheongryong-Tang via ROS/MAPK/NF-κB-Associated Macrophage Activation

Abstract

Socheongryong-tang (SCRT), traditionally used in East Asia for managing chills and fever, has recently gained attention for its immunomodulatory potential. This study aimed to elucidate the biological activity and signaling features associated with SCRT-mediated modulation of innate immune readouts in murine macrophages and to evaluate its effects on selected markers in a 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-associated immune suppression model. Our findings reveal that SCRT significantly enhances phagocytic activity, production of nitric oxide and prostaglandin E2, and the mRNA expression of cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1 beta, and interleukin-6. These immunomodulatory effects are associated with activation of the reactive oxygen species/mitogen-activated protein kinases/nuclear factor-κB signaling axis. In vivo, SCRT administration in a 5-FU–treated mouse model attenuated immune suppression-associated changes, showing partial restoration of selected serum cytokine markers and immune response indices. Taken together, these results suggest that SCRT aqueous extract may attenuate chemotherapy-associated immune dysfunction; however, further studies incorporating immune cell profiling, functional immune assessments, and pathway- and contamination-control approaches are warranted to establish causality and translational relevance.