Activation of macrophages and lymphocytes by methylglyoxal against tumor cells in the host

Methylglyoxal is a normal metabolite and has the potential to affect a wide variety of cellular processes. In particular, it can act selectively against malignant cells. The study described herein was to investigate whether methylglyoxal can enhance the non-specific immunity of the host against tumor cells. Methylglyoxal increased the number of macrophages in the peritoneal cavity of both normal and tumor-bearing mice. It also elevated the phagocytic capacity of macrophages in both these groups of animals. This activation of macrophages was brought about by increased production of Reactive Oxygen Intermediates (ROIs) and Reactive Nitrogen Intermediates (RNIs). The possible mechanism for the production of ROIs and RNIs can be attributed to stimulation of the respiratory burst enzyme NADPH oxidase and iNOS, respectively. IFN-γ, which is a regulatory molecule of iNOS pathway also showed an elevated level by methylglyoxal. TNF-α, which is an important cytokine for oxygen independent killing by macrophage also increased by methylglyoxal in both tumor-bearing and non tumor-bearing animals. Methylglyoxal also played a role in the proliferation and cytotoxicity of splenic lymphocytes. In short, it can be concluded that methylglyoxal profoundly stimulates the immune system against tumor cells.