Short-chain fatty acids induce pro-inflammatory cytokine production alone and in combination with toll-like receptor ligands.

ABSTRACT:

Problem

Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), produced at relatively high levels by anaerobic bacteria in bacterial vaginosis (BV), are believed to be anti-inflammatory. BV, a common alteration in the genital microbiota associated with increased susceptibility to HIV infection, is characterized by increased levels of both pro-inflammatory cytokines and SCFAs. We investigated how SCFAs alone or together with Toll-like receptor (TLR) ligands affected pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion.

Method of study

Cytokines were measured by ELISA. Flow was used for phenotyping and reactive oxygen species (ROS) measurement.

Results

Short-chain fatty acids, at 20 mM, induced interleukin (IL)-8, IL-6, and IL-1β release, while lower levels (0.02-2 mM) did not induce cytokine secretion. Leve

SUBMITTER: Mirmonsef P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3288536 | biostudies-literature | 2012 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature