Studies on Cytokine Production in Gutkha and Panmasala Chewers

Panmasala is one of the products which have been favored by the people of all ages In Indian. It contains areca nut, lime, flavoring agents and catechu. It holds prominent place in Indian market. It has been reported to affect human health by causing oral cancer and dysfunctioning of vital organs. Current research was carried on testing the effect of saliva of panmasala eaters on cytokine production by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC's). Panmasala (Vimal) and Gutkha (RMD) were used for the study of cytokine modulation. MACSPlex Cytokine12 assay was used for the estimation of cytokine after treatment of PBMC's with the saliva of panmasala eater. Concentration of cytokines (IL 10, IL 12, L 17, IFN α, IFN γ, TNF α, GM CSF,IL 4,IL 6,IL 5,IL 2 and IL 9) was found to be increased in the sample containing PBMC's treated with the saliva of panmasala. Based on the findings supported with the statistical analysis, it can be concluded that panmasala and gutkha have negative impact on immune function. There is a strong need to generate social awareness about health hazards of pan masala and gutkha.