Effect of edible bird’s nest on cell proliferation and tumor necrosis factor- alpha (TNF-α ) release in vitro

The human colonic adenocarcinoma cell line (Caco-2 cells) and a macrophage cell line (RAW 264.7 cells) are widely used in vitro model to study the intestinal system and Tumor Necrosis Factor- alpha (TNF-α) release in cells, respectively. The objectives of this study were to assess the proliferative effect of EBN on Caco-2 cells and its effect on TNF-α release in RAW cells. The percentage of cell proliferation when treated with 2 commercial EBN, brand Y1 and brand X1, were 84% and 115% respectively, while when treated with unprocessed EBN from East Coast, North and South Zones were 91%, 35% and 47% respectively. Several EBN from specific zones (brand Y1, South and East Coast Zones) significantly affect the TNF-α production in RAW cells, where it was reduced to 43%, 24% and 32% respectively. Results showed that depending on the source and type of EBN used, there were differences in the percentages of proliferation of Caco-2 cells. EBN is able to influence the production of anti-inflammatory TNF-α in RAW cells.