A Comparison of the Effect of Vitamin A on Cytokine Secretion by Mononuclear Cells of Preterm Newborns and Adults

Abstract

Background: For a long time vitamin A has been known to be essential for immune defense of the organism and protection against infections. Vitamin A deficiency in children is associated with morbidity and mortality from infectious diseases which could be prevented and even alleviated by vitamin A supplementation. Moreover, this vitamin is involved in the modulation of immunological and inflammatory responses by regulation of cytokine production. The aim of the study was to compare the in vitro effect of vitamin A on the production of pro-inflammatory (IL-1β and IL-6) and anti-inflammatory (IL-1 receptor antagonist (ra) and IL-10) cytokines, as well as IL-2 and IFNγ by cord blood mononuclear cells (CBMC) of preterm newborns to that of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from adults. Methods: Mononuclear cells (MC) from individuals of the two age groups were incubated with vitamin A (retinyl palmitate) at various concentrations in the presence of phytohemagglutinin for IL-2 and IFNγ production or LPS for IL-1β, IL-1ra, IL-6 and IL-10 secretion. The level of the cytokines in the supernatants was tested by ELISA. Results: Vitamin A exerted an in vitro inhibitory effect on the production of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-1ra by MC of preterm newborns and adults, but did not affect the secretion of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6 and IFNγ. Vitamin A caused inhibition of IL-10 secretion by cells from adults, but it did not significantly affect this function in cells from newborns except when high unphysiological doses were applied. In addition vitamin A stimulated the secretion of IL-2 by cells isolated from adults but had no effect on those derived from premature neonates. Conclusions: The results indicate that vitamin A may affect the immune function of premature infants via inhibition of IL-1ra secretion. It is suggested that the beneficial effect of vitamin A on the clinical course of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) may be due to the reduced production of anti-inflammatory cytokines by neonatal CBMC. This may indicate the importance of the pro-inflammatory cytokines in the management of severe lung diseases and BPD.

Clinical Observations, Plasma Retinol Concentrations, and In Vitro Lymphocyte Functions in Children With Sickle Cell Disease

“…Several studies have been conducted on vitamin A status in children with SCD and its influence on health status or the role of vitamin A status in lymphocyte proliferation and cytokine secretion in individuals and laboratory animals without SCD. [1][2][3]16,[28][29][30][31][32] The negative effect of suboptimal vitamin A status on immunity has been clearly demonstrated. In 2 studies conducted on blood lymphocytes obtained from healthy adult subjects without SCD, the addition of vitamin A (in the form of retinoic acid) to culture medium resulted in increased IL-2 secretion, lymphocyte proliferation, and dendritic cell maturation.…”

Experimental immunology Decreased serum and mucosa immunoglobulin A levels in vitamin A- and zinc-deficient mice

“…Similar findings are evident on the effect of vitamin A deficiency on the ability of individual's immune system to counteract pathogens. Moreover, this micronutrient is known to regulate antibody production via many pro and anti inflammatory modulators [ 29 ].…”

Beneficial Therapy with Natural Anti-Inflammatory Agents and Supplements

“…Vitamin A exerts its anti-inflammatory action by suppressing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (83). Study showed that vitamin A has inhibitory effect on production of cytokines IL-1ra and IL-10 secretion (84). Supplementation with vitamin B (mainly B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, and B12) complex also exerts anti-inflammatory effects (85).…”