title: Caffeine alters cytokine secretion by PBMC induced by colon cancer cells.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Studies have shown that caffeine might be capable to prevent colon cancer development. This activity is linked in part to its anti-inflammatory properties mediated through modulation of immune responses. It was the aim of the study to evaluate the role of caffeine in the immune balance between peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and those of HT-29 and RKO human colon cancer lines.
  
  
  METHODS
  Cytokine production was evaluated following incubation of the two types of cancer cells without and with three concentrations of caffeine.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A concentration-dependent inhibition of TNFα and IFNγ secretion by PBMC was observed only after their stimulation by cancer cells. Reduction of the anti-inflammatory IL-1ra and IL-10 production was observed using higher caffeine concentrations only.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We presume that by changing the equilibrium between pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in favor of anti-inflammation, caffeine may reduce the inflammatory process with a consequent suppression of colorectal cancer progress.
authors.affiliation: Laboratory for Immunology and Hematology Research, Rabin Medical Center-Hasharon Hospital, Keren Kayemet St., Petah-Tiqva, Israel.
authors.forename: Hanna
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Bessler
authors.forename: Hertzel
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Salman
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bergman
authors.forename: Meir
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Djaldetti
mesh_terms: D002110:Caffeine / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002450:Cell Communication / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology; D048708:Cell Growth Processes / Q000187:drug effects; D045744:Cell Line, Tumor; D003110:Colonic Neoplasms / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology; D016207:Cytokines / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D019073:HT29 Cells; D006801:Humans; D007963:Leukocytes, Mononuclear / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D016207:Cytokines; D002110:Caffeine