The impact of three commercial sweeteners on cytokine expression by mononuclears impelled by colon carcinoma cells

The study was designed to examine the immunomodulatory effect of three commercial sweeteners on human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and on the immune dialogue between these and human HT-29 and HuCC colon cancer lines. PBMC were incubated with Sweet'N Low, Splenda and Stevia and the cytokine production was examined. The cytokine release of PBMC co-cultured with colon cancer cells in the presence of sweeteners was evaluated. Sweet'N Low enhanced IFN gamma, IL-1 beta and IL-6 release, and augmented HuCC-induced IL-10 secretion. Splenda reduced IFN gamma and TNF alpha secretion by LPS and HuCC stimulated PBMC and enhanced HuCC-induced IL-10 and IL-1ra production. Stevia reduced IL-1 beta, TNF alpha and IL-1ra secretion prompted by HuCC and HT-29 cells and enhanced IL-6 production induced by HuCC. The inhibition of pro-inflammatory- and increased anti-inflammatory cytokines release by Splenda and Stevia indicate that they possess valuable potential as carcinopreventive agents.