OBJECTIVE: Many researches focus their attention on the behavior of cells to specific substances with alkalizing power. Each substance that we introduce with food, as well as water, contributes to conditioning the electrophilic balance (acid-base) of the extracellular matrix (MEC) of the whole organism. This systemic regulation of the MEC participates in modulating the expression of genes (transcriptome) and consequently participates in modulating the inflammatory response through the regulation of cellular signal molecules such as ROS (Reactive Oxygen Species) and RNS (Reactive Nitrogen Species). In this study, we investigated the influence of alkaline solutions (Alkawater and Alkacoffee) on one aspect of inflammation relating to the expression of immune modulation by tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), interleukin 1β (IL-1β), interleukin 6 (IL-6), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) on Caco-2 cell cultures.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this paper, the transcriptome of human enterocyte-like Caco-2 cells, in a pH controlled environment with a mixture of alkalizing salts, AlkaWater^® and AlkaCoffee^®, has been studied. The cellular models used were Caco2 and LS174T cell lines. Isolation and purification of RNA from both Caco2 and LS174T cell lines were performed by TRIzol method. Transcriptome analysis was performed by RNA expression analysis of transcripts of the samples. The analysis was completed with the aid of information technology.
RESULTS: When administered individually, Solution 1 (AlkaWater, alkaline water) and Solution 2 (AlkaCoffee, acidity corrector) decrease the expression levels of the four immune modulatory markers (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, COX-2) in CaCo-2 cells (Figure 1), and even more pronounced effects were observed when alkaline solutions and coffee extract were administered in combination. About the influence of alkaline solutions on miR-146a expression, Solution 2 increases the expression of miR-146a gene, while the other solution combinations decrease its level.
CONCLUSIONS: Cells prevent pathogens through inflammatory responses. Alkaline solutions have been thought as adjuvants of a balanced diet rich of alkaline foods.