Peripheral blood monocytes are populations of cells of high importance for resistance of the body. When migrating to inflammation sites, they constitute populations cells able to phagocyte and to present an antigen to other immune cells.

The artificial neural network analysis is a method of data analysis which is to emulate the brain’s way of working. Neural networks are easier in use than traditional statistical methods, since they construct models needed by the user themselves.

Methods: Monocytes were isolated from peripheral blood of 31 healthy donors by the lymphocyte separation media density gradient and then cultured for 7 days in the RPMI medium with 10% autologous serum. Phagocytosis was determined using the PHAGOTEST kit, and then analysed by flow cytometry (FACSCalibur, Becton Dikinson). The percentage of monocytes/macrophages engaging in phagocytosis and the percentage of cells presented the CD 68 antigen were determined. The fatty acids content in blood was measured by gas chromatography (Perkin Elmer 8500). The cholesterol fractions and the triacylglycerol (TG) content were measured in the fasting plasma with commercial test kits (bio-Merieux, France). Phosphorylation of the ERK1/2 kinase and PPAR-γ2 was measured by the western blot method. The neural networks were used as a calculation method with the SNN (Statistica Neural Networks) STATSOFT software package.

Results: The content of arachidonic acid (AA) in the blood was a factor strongly determining monocyte/macrophage phagocytosis. At the same time, this feature was also strongly determined by plasma concentration of triacylglycerols and HDL-cholesterol. Importantly, linoleic acid (arachidonic acid precursor) changed monocyte/macrophage phagocytosis only to a small extent. Different intensities of ERK1/2 kinase phosphorylation were noted in the environments of arachidonic acid and linoleic acid.

Conclusion: Monocyte/macrophage phagocytosis is a phenomenon dependent on many external factors. The intensity of this process is associated with PPAR-γ activation. Phosphorylation is one of the mechanisms of activation/inactivation of PPAR-γ in macrophages. It seems that arachidonic acid, while inhibiting ERK1/2 phosphorylation, may activate PPAR-γ, causing intensified monocyte/macrophage phagocytosis.