N-acetylcysteine and fructose-1,6-bisphosphate: Immunomodulatory effects on mononuclear cell culture

Abstract

Introduction: Sepsis is a complex syndrome caused by an uncontrolled systemic infammatory response. Infammatory cytokines play a pivotal role in septic shock pathogenesis. Therapeutic strategies have been tested in order to modulate the excessive generation or function of sepsis mediators. Objective: The objective of the present study was to investigate the therapeutic effect of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and its association with fructose-1,6-bisphosphate (FBP) on T-lymphocytes proliferation, interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) levels. Material and methods: Peripheral blood mononuclear cell samples were isolated from healthy individuals. T-lymphocytes were stimulated with phytohemagglutinin for 96 hours and submitted to different concentrations of NAC or NAC associated with FBP. Results: NAC (10 and 15 mM) and NAC (15 mM) associated with FBP reduced T-lymphocytes proliferation. IL-1β levels rose in the presence of both NAC (15 mM) and NAC with FBP (1.25 mM). MCP-1 levels were reduced only by NAC (15 mM) associated with FBP (1.25 mM). Conclusion: The results suggest that both NAC itself and NAC associated with FBP inhibit cellular proliferation, acting as potent immunomodulatory agents, which corroborates its use in the treatment of infammatory diseases.