TNF-Alpha Inhibition Test

The TNF-Alpha Inhibition Test: Laboratory Testing of Various Preparations

The TNF-Alpha Inhibition Test: What It Examines and How It Works

As a multifunctional signaling substance, TNF-alpha is involved in almost all immune and inflammatory processes in the body. It is mainly released by phagocytes, the so-called macrophages (activated monocytes), and thus enables the body (by releasing further pro-inflammatory substances) to protect itself against pathogenic foreign substances (e.g. viruses and bacteria) and to successfully fight off these external influences. In chronic inflammation or autoimmune diseases, however, the body may mistakenly produce TNF-alpha, which can potentially have far-reaching long-term consequences.

TNF-Alpha - Continuous Release of Pro-Inflammatory Substances

In addition to the continuous release of pro-inflammatory substances, TNF-alpha also stimulates phagocytosis, which generates large amounts of radicals and thus (oxidative and nitrosative) stress for the body. Furthermore, bone mass is broken down to a greater extent, since TNF-alpha stimulates the osteoclasts, which in turn can lead to osteoporosis. Another unfavorable consequence is the increased mobilization of sugar, proteins and fat by the body in order to fight the supposed inflammation and provide the cells with sufficient energy. This combination of persistently high blood sugar and blood lipid levels in turn represents a risk factor for the development of cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes mellitus. The development of neurodegenerative diseases (including Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease) in connection with elevated TNF-alpha levels has also been reported.

Individual and Anti-Inflammatory Therapy

Because of the diverse and significant role of TNF-alpha, particularly in chronic inflammatory processes and autoimmune diseases, it is increasingly the focus of attention as a therapeutic target. In therapy, so-called TNF-alpha blockers are used, which target the TNF-alpha level. However, the effectiveness varies considerably between the individual preparations, which is why treatment is not infrequently unsuccessful. Against this background, the TNF-alpha inhibition test was established at Biovis, which examines the response to various preparations in the laboratory.

Test Principle - TNF-Alpha Inhibition Test

The aim of the test is to check whether, and with what intensity, the tested TNF-alpha blockers prevent the release of TNF and contain the inflammatory reaction. For this purpose, the TNF-alpha concentration released by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is first determined (= baseline value, i.e. 0%), and then the effect of the individual TNF-alpha blockers is related to the baseline value. Values above 0% mean that TNF-alpha release is stimulated. Values below 0% indicate inhibition, i.e. an anti-inflammatory effect.

• TNF-alpha inhibition test standard panel
• Alpha-lipoic acid
• Boswellia carterii (African frankincense)
• Curcumin
• Procaine
• Resveratrol
• Vitamin C
• Alpha-lipoic acid
• Boswellia carterii (African frankincense)
• Boswellia serrata (Indian frankincense)
• Nettle extract
• Bromelain
• Coenzyme Q10
• Colostrum
• Curcumin
• Folic acid
• Glutamine
• L-carnitine
• Lecithin
• N-acetylcysteine
• Milk thistle
• Niacin
• Pantothenic acid
• Procaine
• Quercetin
• Resveratrol
• S-adenosylmethionine
• Selenium
• Silymarin
• Devil's claw
• Tocopherol
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin D
• Zinc