Lipofundin Affects Cytokine Release by Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells from Healthy Individuals

Background: Administration of intralipid to critically ill patients is a common therapeutic modality. Studies have shown that patients with life-threatening diseases expressed a marked improvement of their clinical and immunology features following feeding by parenteral intralipid regimens. Considering the important role of the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) as immune system constituents, the question has been raised if intralipid added to the cells in vitro will affect their capacity for inflammatory cytokine generation. Methods: Non-stimulated and LPS or PMA stimulated human PBMC were incubated with intralipid (Lipofundin) and the production of TNFα, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-1ra, IL-10, IL-2 and IFNγ was evaluated. Results: Following 24 hrs of incubation a concentration dependent decreased production of IL-1β and IL-10 in LPS-stimulated and non-stimulated cells were observed, whereas that of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1ra was not affected. Intralipid suppressed the production of IFNγ and IL-2 following incubation with stimulated cells only. Conclusions: The results indicate that intralipid modulates immune cells' function, an observation that may explain the favorable effect of parenteral nutrition on patients with life-threatening diseases.