Effects of polyphenols and lipids from Pennisetum glaucum grains on T-cell activation: modulation of Ca2+ and ERK1/ERK2 signaling

International audience; BACKGROUND: Pearl millet (PM), i.e., Pennisetum glaucum, is widely grown in Africa and known for its anti-oxidant and anti-hyperlipidemic properties.METHODS: The P. glaucum grains were obtained from the region of Ouled Aïssa (South of Algeria). We assessed the effects of phenolic compounds and lipids, extracted from seeds of P. glaucum, on rat lymphocyte proliferation, activated by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate and ionomycin. In order to explore signaling pathway, triggered by these compounds, we assessed interleukin-2 (IL-2) mRNA expression and extracellular signal-regulated kinase-1/2 (ERK1/ERK2) phosphorylation. Finally, we determined increases in free intracell…