Vitamins C, E, and NADH on <i>in Vitro</i> Lymphocyte Proliferation and Redox Status among Obese Patients

Abstract

Background: The prevalence of overweight and obesity associated with oxidative stress and immune abnormalities is continuously increasing. Antioxidant supplementations might counteract potential damage caused by ROS to cellular tissues. Objective: To determine the role of vitamins on immune improvement during obesity, we investigated in vitro effects of vitamins C, E, and NADH on mitogen-stimulated proliferation, Th1- and Th2-type cytokine production, and oxidant/antioxidant status of lymphocytes isolated from obese patients. Methods: Peripheral blood lymphocytes were isolated using a density gradient of Histopaque. They were in vitro cultured and stimulated by Con A in the presence or absence of vitamins. Cell proliferation was determined by MTT assay and interleukin-2, interleukin-4 and interferon- γ (INF γ ) secretions. Cell oxidant/antioxidant balance was studied by assaying glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), carbonyl protein levels, catalase activity and micronucli frequency. Results: Obesity is associated with enhanced oxidative stress response. Indeed, vitamin C, E and NADH improved significantly lymphocyte proliferation and diminished cellular oxidative stress. Conclusion: Treatments of lymphocytes with vitamins had beneficial effects on lymphocyte proliferation, cytokines secretions and redox status, generating an anti-inflammatory profile and should be considered in therapeutic approaches for normalizing immune cell function in obesity.