Protective effects of Nostoc sphaeroides Kütz against cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppression and oxidative stress in mice

Nostoc was orally administered to mice to evaluate the possible effects on cyclophosphamide (CY)-induced immunosuppression. The results showed that feeding Nostoc may promote the growth of mice. Meanwhile, spleen and thymus indices, WBC, splenic lymphocyte transformation rate, macrophage phagocytosis, and T-AOC were significantly higher in mice treated with CY + Nostoc than treated with CY. ELISA results showed that Nostoc treatment enhanced the production of IgG, IL-2, IL-4, and IFN-γ in sera of CY-treated mice. In addition, histopathological examination confirmed the biochemical and immunological results, suggesting that Nostoc may be a promising modulator in attenuating CY-induced immunosuppression and oxidative stress.