Investigation of the immunostimulatory properties of oxihumate.
A unique process has been developed to convert bituminous coal by controlled wet oxidation followed by base treatment to a water-soluble humate called oxihumate. The effects of oxihumate on the proliferative response of lymphocytes has been studied in vitro and ex vivo. Oxihumate increased the proliferative response of phytohaemagglutinin-stimulated human lymphocytes, from a concentration of 20 microg/ml and upwards. This response was even more striking in the case of lymphocytes from HIV-infected patients and was not limited to the in vitro setting since similar effects were observed ex vivo following administration of a non-toxic dosage of 4 g oxihumate per day to HIV-positive individuals for two weeks. Mechanistic studies revealed that stimulation of the proliferative response of lymphocytes by oxihumate is associated with an increased production of IL-2, as well as expression of the IL-2 receptor in the setting of decreased production of IL-10. Oxihumate therefore holds promise for the treatment of immunocompromized patients.
Jooné
Gisela Käthe
GK
Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Pretoria, PO Box 2034, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa. cmedlen@postillion.up.ac.za
Dekker
Johan
J
van Rensburg
Constance Elizabeth Jansen
CE
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D006679:HIV Seropositivity / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D006812:Humic Substances / Q000494:pharmacology*; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D016753:Interleukin-10 / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism; D007376:Interleukin-2 / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation / Q000187:drug effects*; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology; D008934:Mitogens / Q000494:pharmacology; D010835:Phytohemagglutinins / Q000494:pharmacology; D012016:Reference Values; D012995:Solubility
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; D006812:Humic Substances; D007376:Interleukin-2; D008934:Mitogens; D010835:Phytohemagglutinins; C469783:oxihumate; D016753:Interleukin-10