Carica papaya increases regulatory T cells and reduces IFN-γ+CD4+ T cells in healthy human subjects

✍ Scribed by Maha Abdullah; Pei-Shin Chai; Chiew-Yee Loh; Mun-Yee Chong; Huai-Wei Quay; Sharmili Vidyadaran; Zainina Seman; Mirnalini Kandiah; Heng-Fong Seow

• Publisher: John Wiley and Sons
• Year: 2011
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 137 KB
• Volume: 55
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 1613-4125
• DOI: 10.1002/mnfr.201100087

✦ Synopsis

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.