Tolpa Peat Preparation (TPP) Induces Interferon and Tumor Necrosis Factor Production in Human Peripheral Blood Leukocytes

Abstract:

Tolpa Peat Preparation (TPP) is a natural immunomodulating drug registered in Poland for use in humans. TPP is a biologically active low molecular weight fraction of an extract from peat containing organic substances, primarily bound sugars, amino-acids, uronic and huminic acids, and mineral salts. The toxicity of TPP is remarkably low, e.g. the cytotoxicity (CD₅₀) for human peripheral blood leukocytes (PBL) is 1-9 mg/ml.

We have discovered that TPP is an interferon (IFN) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inducer in human PBL. The IFN and TNF response of the PBL cultures was dose dependent. The optimal concentration of TPP for IFN or TNF response was 10-100 µg/ml. The cytokines stimulated by TPP were IFN-_Y, IFN-a and TNF-a.

Ten commercial batches of TPP have been found to be active as cytokine inducers although variations in their activities were observed. On the other hand, 8 batches of TPP rejected by the producer because of inadequate immunostimulating activity determined in mice, were found to be significantly less active than the commercial preparations.

Over 115 buffy coats from the individual blood donors were used to prepare PBL cultures for this study. Approximately 20% of the PBL cultures were unresponsive to TPP. The IFN and TNF response of PBL to other inducers, phytohemagglutinin (PHA) or lipopolysaccharides (LPS), also varied. As much as 20-50% of PBL failed to produce IFN or TNF when treated with LPS, whereas only 7% of PBL could not be stimulated by PHA. We suggest that TPP may have clinically useful activities connected with the capacity to stimulate IFNs and TNF production.

Authors:

Inglot, A. D.
Zielinska-Jenczylik, J.
Piasecki, E.

Abbreviated Journal Title: Arch Imm Ther Exp
Date of Publication: 1993
Journal Volume: 41
Page Numbers: 73 through 80
Country of Publication: Poland
Language of Article: English
Issue/Part/Supplement:
ISSN: 0004-069X

MESH Headings:

Tolpa Peat Preparation
Cytokine Production
Human Peripheral Blood Leukocytes
Interferons
Tumor Necrosis Factor
Immunomodulation

Published with permission from Archivum Immunologiae et Therapiae Experimentalis