Physico-chemical properties of Silicea terra 200cH and activity on macrophages in vitro

Abstract

Introduction Silicea terra 200cH can modulate macrophage activity in mice inducing resolution of chronic wounds, whose mechanisms are unknown. Herein, we describe the relation between the activity of Silicea terra 200cH in vitro, on macrophages infected with Calmette-Guérin Bacilli (BCG) - a microorganism involved in chronic granuloma lesions - and physico-chemical properties of the remedy. Objective Establish the relation between physico-chemical properties and biological activity of Silicea terra 200cH in vitro. Methods BCG-infected RAW 264.7 macrophages were analyzed considering their capacity of bacilli internalization, lysosome activity, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and cytokines production, using a CBA (BD) kit. The vehicle (succussed water) was used as control. The electrical conductivity and the presence of micro particles in the remedy were also studied. Results Silicea terra 200cH showed significant reduction of hydrogen peroxide production (p?0.001), higher lysosome activity (p?0.001) and increase of IL-10 production (p?0.05), an anti-inflammatory cytokine, in relation to the control. The electrical conductivity of Silicea terra 200cH was statistically higher in relation to pure water (p