Oral NaHCO3 activates a splenic anti-inflammatory pathway; evidence cholinergic signals are transmitted via mesothelial cells

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Paper Summary

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Baking Soda: A Spleen-tastic Anti-inflammatory? (Rat Study)

This study, conducted primarily in rats, suggests that oral intake of baking soda can reduce inflammation by activating an anti-inflammatory pathway in the spleen. It also found a similar effect in a small human trial, albeit with differing baseline inflammatory markers between groups. The study proposes a novel mechanism for this effect involving mesothelial cells, which appear to transmit signals like neurons.

Possible Conflicts of Interest

None identified

Identified Weaknesses

Novel and unconfirmed mechanism

The study's findings on the 'neuronal-like' function of mesothelial cells are unprecedented and raise many unanswered questions about how these cells signal. Further investigation is needed to explore this phenomenon.

Differing baseline levels in human study

While the human study showed a decrease in inflammatory markers after taking baking soda, the baseline levels were different between the baking soda and control groups. This could influence the results and weakens the conclusion.

Limited human data

The study primarily focuses on rats and, while some human data is presented, more research is needed to confirm whether the same effects occur in humans.

Potential confounding effects of sham splenectomy

Disrupting the spleen's connections, as done in the sham splenectomy, could have unintended effects beyond simply abolishing the baking soda response. These effects need further investigation.

Rating Explanation

This is a well-designed study with a strong methodology and compelling results in both rats and humans. The novel finding regarding mesothelial signaling is significant, though further investigation is needed to confirm the mechanism. The limitations of differing baseline levels in the human study and the potential confounding effects of the sham splenectomy lower the rating slightly.

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