It is worthwhile mentioning that anti-inflammatory potential has been demonstrated for another mixed-layer mineral: diosmectite reduces the degree of inflammation in TNBS colitis (Gardiner et al., 1993; González et al., 2004), decreases ionic conductance as well as mannitol and horseradish peroxidase permeability in TNFα-stimulated epithelial cells (Mahraoui et al., 1997), and suppresses the LPS-induced IL-8 and IL-1β secretion from human intestinal epithelial cells and THP-1 cells (González et al., 2004). The gene discussed is IL1B; the disease is colitis.