Aqueous extracts from dietary supplements influence the production of inflammatory cytokines in immortalized and primary T lymphocytes

Abstract

Abstract Background Congaplex® and Immuplex® are dietary supplements that have been traditionally used to support immune system function. The purpose of these experiments was to determine whether Congaplex® and Immuplex® affect immune function using primary and immortalized T lymphocytes. Methods Immortalized CEM and Jurkat T lymphocytes and primary peripheral mononuclear blood cells (PBMCs) were treated with the aqueous extracts from Congaplex® and Immuplex® to determine the effects of these products on cytokine production in activated T lymphocytes. Results Congaplex® enhanced phytohemagglutinin/phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PHA/PMA) stimulation of both CEM and Jurkat cells as measured by the production of cytokines, while Immuplex® suppressed PHA/PMA-induced production of cytokines, with the exception of interleukin (IL)-8 which was enhanced by Immuplex®. In vitro treatment of PBMCs from 10 healthy donors with Congaplex® or Immuplex® decreased PHA-stimulated production of interferon (IFN)-γ but increased the production of IL-13. Conclusions While the effects of Congaplex® and Immuplex® differed in these two models, these data demonstrate that the aqueous extracts from these two dietary supplements can affect the inflammatory response of T lymphocytes.