Effect of Kuibitang on lipopolysaccharide-induced cytokine production in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of chronic fatigue syndrome patients

Kuibitang (KBT) is clinically used to treat patients suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) in South Korea. However, its effect has not been investigated experimentally. Recent reports have shown that CFS patients display an altered cytokine production. We examined the effect of KBT on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced various cytokines production in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of CFS patients and healthy controls. KBT (1mg/ml) significantly inhibited LPS-induced tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-10, and transforming growth factor-β1 production in PBMC of CFS patients. However, LPS-induced interferon-γ production was significantly increased by KBT (0.01mg/ml). These results provide evidence of a novel activity of the KBT that regulate cytokines production related with CFS.