Immunomodulatory Effects of Copper Bis-Glycinate In Vitro

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Biochemistry
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Copper is essential for cellular respiration and nervous system function, acting as a cofactor and antioxidant.
• Copper deficiency severely impairs immune system function, affecting pathogen resistance and lymphocyte activity.
• Copper bis-glycinate (Cbg) is an EU-approved oral supplement for health promotion.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of Cbg on human epithelial cells (HCE-T) regarding cytotoxicity, antioxidant properties, and wound healing.
• To evaluate the anti-inflammatory impact of Cbg on various immune cells, including PBMCs, THP-1, and Jurkat cells.

Main Methods:

• Assessed Cbg's cytotoxicity, anti-reactive oxygen species (ROS), and wound healing on HCE-T cells.
• Measured Cbg's effects on stimulated primary human mononuclear cells (PBMCs), monocytic THP-1, and Jurkat cells.
• Analyzed cytokine levels (IL-17, IL-2, IFN-γ) in CD4+ T cells and inflammatory markers (IL-6, TNF-α) in THP-1 cells.
• Quantified intracellular calcium (Ca2+) influx in Jurkat cells.

Main Results:

• Cbg showed no significant cytotoxicity or impact on epithelial cell functions at concentrations from 0.05-100 μg/mL.
• Cbg progressively inhibited stimulated PBMC proliferation at concentrations of 3-50 μg/mL.
• Cbg dose-dependently decreased IL-17 and IL-2 in CD4+ T cells and reduced IL-6 and TNF-α in THP-1 cells.
• Cbg significantly inhibited intracellular Ca2+ influx in Jurkat cells.

Conclusions:

• Copper bis-glycinate exhibits immunomodulatory effects on various immune cells without affecting epithelial cells.
• Cbg demonstrates potential as an anti-inflammatory agent by modulating cytokine production and cellular responses.
• Further research is warranted to fully elucidate the immunomodulatory mechanisms of copper in cellular contexts.