title: Differentiation of human monocytes in vitro following exposure to Canova in the absence of cytokines.
abstract: Canova is an immunomodulatory, homeopathic preparation that has been shown to activate macrophages in vitro and in vivo, with resultant enhanced spreading of the cells and formation of microvillus extensions from the cell body. Since monocytes are the precursor cells of macrophages and dendritic cells, the objective of the current study was to investigate the effects of Canova on the differentiation of human blood monocytes in vitro. Monocytes were isolated, grown in culture, and exposed to 10 and 20% Canova without the addition of cytokines. After 48 h, monocytes were prepared for analysis by scanning electron microscopy, while cells kept in culture for 7 days and exposed to Canova on days 1, 3, and 4 were analyzed by flow cytometry for alterations in the levels of expression of CD1a, CD11c, CD14, CD80, CD83, CD86, and HLA-DR. SEM revealed that monocytes exposed to 10% Canova had a morphological appearance similar to that of macrophages. Various cytoplasmic projections were observed with pseudopodia formation. Flow cytometric analysis after exposure of monocytes to 10 and 20% Canova indicated high cell viability and upregulation of CD80, compatible with differentiation into either macrophages or dendritic cells. Exposure to Canova per se causes activation of monocytes with resultant differentiation into large macrophage-like cells of indeterminate phenotype that have increased expression of CD80. Like cytokines, Canova induces differentiation of monocytes, an activity that may underpin the immunomodulatory activity of this product.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa.
authors.forename: Eureke
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Smit
authors.forename: Etheresia
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Pretorius
authors.forename: Ronald
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Anderson
authors.forename: Joyce
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Oommen
authors.forename: Moliehi
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Potjo
mesh_terms: D015703:Antigens, CD / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism; D002448:Cell Adhesion / Q000187:drug effects; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D002470:Cell Survival / Q000187:drug effects; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D003435:Crotalid Venoms / Q000494:pharmacology*; D016207:Cytokines / Q000494:pharmacology*; D003713:Dendritic Cells / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism / Q000648:ultrastructure; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005571:Formularies, Homeopathic as Topic; D006801:Humans; D007155:Immunologic Factors / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008264:Macrophages / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism / Q000648:ultrastructure; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D009000:Monocytes / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000648:ultrastructure; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000494:pharmacology*
chemical_list: D015703:Antigens, CD; C513575:Canova medication; D003435:Crotalid Venoms; D016207:Cytokines; D007155:Immunologic Factors; D010936:Plant Extracts