Effects of kiwifruit extract on apoptosis and cytokine production in inflamed THP-1-derived macrophages

Authors

• Adrian Cruz, St. Mary's University
• Isbella Brigman, St. Mary's University

Files

Contributor

Segovia, Jesus (Faculty Mentor); National Institues of Health

Digital Publisher

Digital Commons at St. Mary's University

Publication Date

Spring 2026

Keywords

Kiwifruit, THP-1, Macrophages, White Blood Cells, Immune response, Inflammation

Description

White blood cells are essential components of the immune system involved in helping defend the body against infections. Macrophages are a type of white blood cell that play a major role in stimulating and regulating the inflammatory response. Inflammation is a natural response of the immune system to infection, injury, or harmful stimuli. Scientific research commonly studies inflammation by exposing immune cells to lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Macrophages stimulated with LPS undergo changes in cell processes such as apoptosis which is programmed cell death. Apoptosis is crucial for the immune system that helps eliminate infected or damaged cells to prevent the spread of infection. Kiwifruit is a nutrient-dense fruit that is a source of vitamin C, antioxidants, and other bioactive compounds. Antioxidants help combat oxidative stress which is linked to inflammation and can contribute to the prevention of chronic inflammation diseases. Previous research has shown that kiwifruit is associated with health benefits and inflammation regulation, it is still unclear how kiwifruit extract affects apoptosis in LPS-stimulated macrophages during the inflammatory response. We hypothesize that kiwifruit extract will reduce apoptosis in LPS-inflamed THP-1-derived macrophages.

Format

pdf

Size

1 poster

City

San Antonio, Texas

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.