Study finds that 2-HOBA acetate supports the body’s inflammatory response

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A NIH-funded study published in the journal Inflammation1, found that supplementation with 2-Hydroxybenzylamine (2-HOBA) acetate may support immune health readiness in healthy individuals by modulating inflammatory biomarkers. The ingredient used was a branded 2-HOBA acetate called Hobamine, manufactured by TSI Group. In the double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, multi dose escalation design study, 33 subjects were assigned to received either 500 mg or 750 mg of 2-HOBA acetate, or placebo, daily, for 15 days. Researchers used a large panel with 92 inflammatory proteins to evaluate the potential biomarkers of inflammation prior to and after supplementation with 2-HOBA acetate.

Results showed that supplementation with 2-HOBA acetate had an impact on 15 inflammatory biomarker. Four biomarkers, specifically C–C motif chemokine 19 (CCL19), interleukin 12β (IL-12β), interleukin 20Rα (IL-20Rα), and tumor necrosis factor beta (TNFβ), saw significant increases following 2-HOBA supplementation, compared to placebo. Biomarkers such as TNFβ, IL12β and CCL19 are responsible for immune system homeostasis or readiness. Levels of tumor necrosis factor ligand superfamily, member 12, also known as TNF-related weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK), saw significant decreases following 2-HOBA supplementation, compared to placebo. TWEAK is a protein that promotes inflammation and tumor growth.

“Normally, inflammation is self-limiting, and its resolution is the first step in the repair and regeneration of injured tissues. Failure of inflammation resolution can lead to the progression of several diseases,” said John A. Rathmacher, PhD, the study’s lead researcher, in a press release. Rathmacher is the director of clinical research and laboratory services at MTI BioTech, Inc. “Oxidative stress is a major mechanism underlying natural aging. Elevated levels are associated with several chronic diseases including Alzheimer’s disease, heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and cancer,” he added.

According to TSI Group vice president of business development Shawn Baier, MS, MBA, the best way to deal with inflammation is not to block the formation of reactive compounds but to limit their excess. That is the function of Hobamine. “Hobamine binds to pro-inflammatory reactive lipids, especially isolevuglandins (IsoLGs), one of the most common and reactive downstream products of oxidative stress,” Bair explained.

The results of the study show the potential of 2-HOBA to balance the body’s inflammatory response. Further research will offer more insights. “These results enable us to enter a new space in immune health and will guide us in future research,” said Baier, in a press release. “More significantly, this opens opportunities for formulators and developers to add Hobamine to their immune formulas because it clearly enables healthy individuals to be more proactive about maintaining their immune readiness.”

Reference

Rathmacher, J.A.; Fuller, J.C.; Abumrad, N.N.; Flynn, C.R. Inflammation Biomarker Response to Oral 2-Hydroxybenzylamine (2-HOBA) Acetate in Healthy Humans. Inflammation. 2023. DOI: 10.1007/s10753-023-01801-w