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Mercurius solubilis: actions on macrophages
Simone Martins de Oliveira1, Carolina Camargo de Oliveira, Ana Paula Ressetti Abud
1Laboratório de Estudos de Células Inflamatórias e Neoplásicas, Departamento de Biologia Celular, SCB, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brazil.
Background:
Macrophages play central roles in homeostasis as well as host defence in innate and acquired immunity, auto-immunity and immunopathology. Our research group has demonstrated the effects of highly diluted toxic substances in macrophages.
Aim:
To investigate if highly diluted Mercurius solubilis (Merc sol), can activate or modulate macrophage functions.
Methods:
We evaluated the effects of Merc sol in the 6, 12, 30 and 200 centesimal high dilutions (CH) potencies on mice peritoneal macrophages (in vitro and in vivo). Merc sol was added to mice's drinking water for 7 days (in vivo treatment) and animals were euthanised and cells were collected. In vitro treatment was performed on macrophages and bone-marrow cell cultures.
Results:
Macrophages showed activated morphology, both when Merc sol was added directly to the cell culture and to drinking water. The in vitro experiments showed enhanced morphological activation, increased interferon (IFN)γ release in the supernatant at lower dilutions and interleukin (IL)-4 production at higher dilutions. Increase in nitric oxide and decrease in superoxide (O(2)(-)) and hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) were also observed. In vivo treatment caused a decrease in O(2)(-) and increase in H(2)O(2) production by macrophages.
Discussion:
Taken together, the results allow us to conclude that highly diluted Merc sol modulates reactive oxygen species (ROS), reactive nitrogen species (RNS) and cytokine secretion, which are central mediators of the immune system, wound healing and body homeostasis.
Insights
Highly diluted Mercurius solubilis (Merc sol) was found to modulate macrophage functions, affecting immune responses and homeostasis. This study explored its effects on reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, and cytokine release in immune cells.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
- Homeostasis
Background:
- Macrophages are crucial for immune defense, homeostasis, and various pathologies.
- Previous research indicated effects of highly diluted toxic substances on macrophages.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the immunomodulatory potential of highly diluted Mercurius solubilis (Merc sol) on macrophage functions.
- To assess Merc sol's impact on macrophage activation and cytokine release.
Main Methods:
- Evaluation of Merc sol at 6, 12, 30, and 200 centesimal high dilutions (CH) on mouse peritoneal macrophages.
- In vitro and in vivo treatments, including administration via drinking water and direct cell culture.
- Analysis of morphological changes, interferon-gamma (IFNγ), interleukin-4 (IL-4), nitric oxide (NO), superoxide (O(2)(-)), and hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) production.
Main Results:
- Merc sol induced activated macrophage morphology in both in vitro and in vivo settings.
- In vitro: increased IFNγ at lower dilutions, increased IL-4 at higher dilutions, increased NO, decreased O(2)(-) and H(2)O(2).
- In vivo: decreased O(2)(-) and increased H(2)O(2) production by macrophages.
Conclusions:
- Highly diluted Merc sol effectively modulates macrophage functions.
- The study demonstrates Merc sol's influence on reactive oxygen species (ROS), reactive nitrogen species (RNS), and cytokine secretion.
- These modulations are relevant to immune system regulation, wound healing, and maintaining body homeostasis.
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