Determination of apoptotic effects of clinoptilolite on human T lymphocytes

Zeolites are defined as aluminum silicates that have  made up of oxygen, aluminum and silicon. SiO4 and Alo4 tetrahedrals are the smallest units that give the specific shape to the molecule. There are more than 40 types of natural and over 150 types of  synthetic zeolites occurs and those zeolites are used in agriculture, animal husbandry, architecture, pharmaceuticals and metallurgy.

Recent years in literature it was shown that these zeolites can have regulatory effects on immune system. Also it was shown that they can influence the development of cancer and have a role on the expression of tumor suppressor genes. However there is no evidence can be found on how these molecules affect the function of specific cell types in the molecular level and also the mechanism of this effect.

In this study the apoptotic effects of clinoptilolite  which is a natural zeolite found in Gördes region of Turkey, on human T lymphocytes were studied. T cells were chosen in this study because they are the  main players in the immune system. These cells can establish immune regulation and organize immune response. As a result, they are important in pathology and therapy.

Peripheral blood mono nuclear cells (PBMCs) in which T cells can be found were isolated from the healthy donors blood by Ficoll Hypaque Gradient Method and then these cells were incubated with clinoptilolite in the RPMI 1640 media. Apoptosis were measured in FacsArray after appropriate immunofluorescent labeling and by agarose electrophoresis technique after DNA fragmentation assay done.

Source: http://library.iyte.edu.tr/tezler/master/biyoteknoloji/T000770.pdf