Role of food in the stimulation of cytokine production

Abstract

To study the role of food in the stimulation of cytokine production, the effects of lactic bacteria on production of interferon α, β, and γ; interleukin 1β; and tumor necrosis factor α were evaluated in mice and humans. Yogurt bacteria induced plasma interferon a and β production in mice. Yogurt intake containing 1011 bacteria led to increased 2'-5'A synthetase activity in human blood mononuclear cells. This result may suggest an interferon action in a peripheral way. This effect was also found when subjects consumed 108 yogurt bacteria/d for 15 d. In an in vitro model, blood mononuclear cells cultured in the presence of yogurt bacteria produced interleukin 1β, tumor necrosis factor, and interferon α and γ. These results suggest the involvement of a certain type of food in cytokine production under healthy conditions.