Chocolate consumption modulates cytokine production in healthy individuals

Epidemiological studies suggest that chocolate increases the incidence and severity of acne. Here we demonstrate that chocolate consumption primes human blood mononuclear cells from volunteers to release more interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and IL-10 upon stimulation with Propionibacterium acne or Staphylcoccus aureus, the two microorganisms involved in the pathogenesis of acne. In contrast, production of the Th17-derived cytokine IL-22 was inhibited by chocolate. Modulation of inflammation could represent an important mechanism through which chocolate consumption influences acne.

► Chocolate modulates cytokine production stimulated in human cells by Propionibacterium acne or Staphylococcus aureus. ► IL-1β and IL-10 production was increased by chocolate, while IL-22 was lower. ► Modulation of cytokine production by chocolate consumption may impact acne and other inflammatory diseases.