Abstract
Background: Inflammation has an essential role in several diseases such as allergy and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Interleukin-13 (IL-13) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) are proinflammatory cytokines markedly increased in allergic asthma. Beta blockers have been largely used for treatment of numerous cardiovascular disorders including hypertension and arrhythmias. Also effectiveness of beta- blocker therapy on airway inflammation in asthma has been shown. Moreover anti-inflammatory effects of propranolol, a non selective beta-blocker, has been reported.
Aims: In this study, effect of propranolol on IL-13 and TNF-α secretion in human Molt-4 and Jurkat leukemic T- cells has been investigated in vitro.
Methods: Molt-4 and Jurkat leukemic cells were cultured in complete RPMI medium and then incubated with different concentrations of propranolol (4 ×10-7 - 4 ×10-4 M) in the presence of phytoheamagglutinin (PHA) for 24 hours. The levels of IL-13 and TNF-α secreted in culture supernatants were measured with the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.
Results: Propranolol significantly and dose-dependently reduced the inflammatory cytokines (IL-13 and TNF-α) production in PHA stimulated Jurkat and Molt-4 leukemic cells, compared to untreated control cells.
Conclusion: According to the results, propranolol inhibited the IL-13 and TNF-α expression in Jurkat and Molt-4 T- cells. The anti- inflammatory properties of propranolol may be partly due to its suppressive effect on inflammatory cytokines such as IL-13 and TNF-α. So propranolol along with its long-term usage in cardiovascular problems may be useful in treatment of inflammatory-based diseases such as COPD and allergic asthma.
- Copyright ©the authors 2016