Citation
Abdullah, Maha and Kandiah, Mirnalini and Vidyadaran, Sharmili and Seow, Heng Fong and Seman, Zainina and Chai, Pei Shin and Loh, Chiew Yee and Chong, Mun Yee and Quay, Huai Wei
(2011)
Carica papaya increases regulatory T cells and reduces IFN-ã+ CD4+ T cells in healthy human subjects.
Molecular Nutrition and Food Research , 55 (5).
pp. 803-806.
ISSN 1613-4125; ESSN:1613-4133
Abstract
Fruit and vegetables have therapeutic potential as they dampen inflammation, have no known side-effects and as whole foods have prospective additive and synergistic benefits. Th1 (IFN-γ(+) CD4(+))/Th2 (IL-4(+)CD4(+)) T cells play a vital role in mediating inflammatory responses and may be regulated by regulatory T cells (Tregs). Effects of Carica papaya on cells of healthy individuals were determined using flow cytometry methods. Significant down-regulation of IFN-γ(+) CD4(+) (p=0.03, n=13), up-regulation of IL-4(+) CD4(+) (p=0.04, n=13) T cells and up-regulation of CD3(+) CD4(+) CD25(+) CD127(-) (p=0.001, n=15) Tregs were observed after papaya consumption. In vitro cultures showed up-regulation of Tregs in male subjects and was significantly associated with levels of IL-1β in culture supernatants (R(2) =0.608, p=0.04, n=12). Other inflammatory cytokines were significantly suppressed. Papaya consumption may exert an anti-inflammatory response mediated through Tregs and have potential in alleviating inflammatory conditions.
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