The aim of the research is to assess any protective in-vitro activity of homeopathic
remedies, used in ailments characterized by cough symptoms, on bronchial epithelial
cells (16HBE). We are studying the effects on healthy cells and cells intoxicated
with cigarette smoke extract (CSE), where CSE intoxication should mimic the pathologic
state of airway epithelium associated with cough.
The cells are seeded in 96-well microplates at a density of 2.5 × 104 cells/well in 2% FBS-EMEM medium. Liquid extract of cigarette smoke (CSE) is prepared
by bubbling smoke into PBS solution, diluted at suitable concentration to obtain sub-maximal
toxic effects. Normal and CSE-treated cells are treated for 24h or 48h with various
doses of homeopathic drugs (Hyland’s, Los Angeles, USA) traditionally indicated for
people with upper respiratory tract infections, such as Drosera rotundifolia, Pulsatilla pratensis, Nux vomica, Allium cepa, Natrum muriaticum and Kalium bichromicum and others, or solvent ethanol/water as control. Parameters of cell viability (WST
and Crystal Violet) and cytokine production (IL8, IL6, TNF-α, IP-10 and others) are
measured.
Preliminary findings from dose-response studies indicate that most tested drugs have
no effects on cell viability, indicating that they are safe. Drosera low dilutions (2x–5x) exert a small but significant protective effect in CSE-challenged
cells. Kalium b. 5x and Nux vomica at 3x dilution significantly decrease cell viability in both normal and CSE-treated
cells, while the same dose increases the release of IL8 and IL6. Interestingly, the
chemokine IP-10, (interferon-induced chemoattractant for monocytes/macrophages and
T cells) decreases when the cells are treated with Kalium b. and also with Drosera 5x, suggesting that this chemokine may be a sensitive and specific new target in
bronchial cells.
In conclusion, this model provides an interesting tool for the investigation of the
therapeutic properties of common homeopathic drugs on normal and CSE-stressed bronchial
epithelial cells.
Keywords: Bronchial cells, in vitro, Drosera, Kalium bichromicum
