title: Influence of beta-carotene on immune functions.
abstract: Recent reports have demonstrated that beta-carotene, a nontoxic carotenoid, is able to stimulate immune functions in humans. The purpose of this study is to understand the mechanisms of immunoenhancement by carotenoids in order to explain their anticancer effects. We have evaluated the clinical efficacy of beta-carotene, given 30 mg/day orally, for treatment of oral leukoplakia patients. Patients who responded to beta-carotene treatment showed increased plasma levels of TNF-alpha. Epithelial cells from these patients were characterized in vitro. These results may lead to a better understanding of the therapeutic use of beta-carotene in humans.
authors.affiliation: Department of Microbiology, Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine, Downers Grove, Illinois 60515.
authors.forename: R H
authors.initials: RH
authors.lastname: Prabhala
authors.forename: L M
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Braune
authors.forename: H S
authors.initials: HS
authors.lastname: Garewal
authors.forename: R R
authors.initials: RR
authors.lastname: Watson
mesh_terms: D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002338:Carotenoids / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015815:Cell Adhesion Molecules / Q000096:biosynthesis; D002460:Cell Line; D003602:Cytotoxicity, Immunologic / Q000187:drug effects; D004848:Epithelium / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology; D006684:HLA-DR Antigens / Q000096:biosynthesis; D006801:Humans; D018799:Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology*; D007971:Leukoplakia / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology; D009061:Mouth Mucosa / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology; D009062:Mouth Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology; D016176:T-Lymphocyte Subsets / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology*; D014407:Tumor Cells, Cultured; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology; D019207:beta Carotene
chemical_list: D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; D015815:Cell Adhesion Molecules; D006684:HLA-DR Antigens; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; D019207:beta Carotene; D018799:Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1; D002338:Carotenoids