In Vitro Immunomodulatory Effects of Sugar-Free Sugarcane Molasses and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis on IFN-γ and TGF-β Secretion in Ulcerative Colitis Patients

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an inflammatory bowel disease that leads to gastrointestinal ulcers. An overactive immune response against the intestinal microbiota has been suggested as one of the pathogenic factors. Some evidence indicates the immunomodulatory effects of Bifidobacterium lactis. sugarcane molasses, rich in vitamins and nutrients, can be used to compensate for the related nutrient deficiencies.

This study aims to evaluate the effects of sugar-free sugarcane (SFS)-molasses on the immune system of UC patients.

Bifidobacterium lactis was cultivated in MRS broth and killed by UV de-sugarization of sugarcane molasses. It was prepared using the Steffen method. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of 12 UC patients were separated by Ficoll-Hypaque centrifugation. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells, SFS-molasses, and B. lactis were co-cultured. After 18h, the expression level of the FOXP3 gene was assessed by RT-qPCR (real-time PCR). The interferon gamma (IFN-γ) and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) were measured in the supernatant of PBMCs by ELISA.

Transforming growth factor beta in the SFS-molasses group was significantly increased compared to the controls (P = 0.032). The TGF-β in SFS-molasses + bacteria and the bacteria-alone groups increased compared to the control group (P = 0.039 and P = 0.049, respectively). The level of IFN-γ in the SFS-molasses group was significantly decreased compared to the controls (P = 0.004). Interferon gamma increased in the SFS-molasses + B. lactis group compared to the controls, but this was not significant. Expression of FOXP3 wasn’t affected after SFS-molasses treatment.

These data showed that SFS molasses increases the levels of anti-inflammatory cytokine TGF-β and decreases the pro-inflammatory cytokine IFN-γ levels. These results may encourage researchers to continue studying the possible application of molasses as a nutritious food for patients with UC.