Oberbaum M, Spira RM, Lukasiewicz E, Armon Y, Samuels N, Singer SR, Barak V, Izbicki G, Einav S, Hersch M. Effect of Traumeel S on cytokine profile in a cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) sepsis model in rats.
J Altern Complement Med 2011;
17:909-13. [PMID:
21978221 DOI:
10.1089/acm.2011.0205]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Sepsis results in significant morbidity and mortality, with current treatment options limited with respect to efficacy as well as safety. The complex homeopathic remedy Traumeel S has been shown to have both anti-inflammatory and immunostimulatory effects in the in vitro setting.
OBJECTIVES
The objective was to explore the effects of Traumeel S in an in vivo setting, using a cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) sepsis model in rats, evaluating the effects of the medication on cytokine activity.
DESIGN
Sepsis was induced in 30 rats using accepted CLP methodology. Following the procedure, rats were randomly allocated to receive an intraperitoneal injection of either Traumeel S (n=15) or normal saline (n=15). At 6 hours post-CLP, serum cytokines (interleukin [IL]-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α, IL-6, and IL-10) were evaluated.
RESULTS
IL-1β levels were significantly higher in the treatment group (p=0.03) with no significant differences found between the groups with respect to the other cytokines tested.
CONCLUSIONS
In contrast to in vitro studies, Traumeel significantly increased IL-1β levels in an in vivo model, without influencing other cytokines. IL-1β is a proinflammatory cytokine that has been shown to have a protective effect in the CLP rat model. Further research is warranted to examine this finding, as well as its clinical implications.
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