CYBERMED LIFE - ORGANIC  & NATURAL LIVING

Immunomodulatory

  • Effect of dietary fatty acids on humoral immune response of turkeys.

    Abstract Title:

    Effect of dietary fatty acids on humoral immune response of turkeys.

    Abstract Source:

    Br Poult Sci. 1997 Sep ;38(4):342-8. PMID: 9347140

    Abstract Author(s):

    A Friedman, D Sklan

    Article Affiliation:

    A Friedman

    Abstract:

    1. This study examined the effect of increasing amounts of dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids on the fatty acid composition in serum and antibody production following a standard vaccination programme in growing turkeys. Turkey poults were fed on 5 diets containing 75g/kg added fat made up of different proportions of palm and soyabean oils, and were vaccinated against Newcastle disease, infectious bronchitis and necrotic enteritis according to a standard vaccination programme. Blood samples were taken before and one week after each vaccination. 2. Fatty acid composition in serum reflected the composition of the diets although arachidonic acid concentration was not changed by dietary fatty acid content. Growth, erythrocyte and leukocyte parameters were not affected by the respective diets. 3. Specific antibody production was related quadratically to serum linoleic and total n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid concentrations. No correlation was found with linolenic or arachidonic acids. 4. It is concluded that dietary fatty acid composition can augment the specific anti-vaccine immune response in turkey poults.

  • Effect of dietary fatty acids on humoral immune response of turkeys.

    Abstract Title:

    Effect of dietary fatty acids on humoral immune response of turkeys.

    Abstract Source:

    Br Poult Sci. 1997 Sep ;38(4):342-8. PMID: 9347140

    Abstract Author(s):

    A Friedman, D Sklan

    Article Affiliation:

    A Friedman

    Abstract:

    1. This study examined the effect of increasing amounts of dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids on the fatty acid composition in serum and antibody production following a standard vaccination programme in growing turkeys. Turkey poults were fed on 5 diets containing 75g/kg added fat made up of different proportions of palm and soyabean oils, and were vaccinated against Newcastle disease, infectious bronchitis and necrotic enteritis according to a standard vaccination programme. Blood samples were taken before and one week after each vaccination. 2. Fatty acid composition in serum reflected the composition of the diets although arachidonic acid concentration was not changed by dietary fatty acid content. Growth, erythrocyte and leukocyte parameters were not affected by the respective diets. 3. Specific antibody production was related quadratically to serum linoleic and total n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid concentrations. No correlation was found with linolenic or arachidonic acids. 4. It is concluded that dietary fatty acid composition can augment the specific anti-vaccine immune response in turkey poults.

  • Effect of forest bathing trips on human immune function. 📎

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    Abstract Title:

    Effect of forest bathing trips on human immune function.

    Abstract Source:

    Environ Health Prev Med. 2010 Jan ;15(1):9-17. PMID: 19568839

    Abstract Author(s):

    Qing Li

    Article Affiliation:

    Qing Li

    Abstract:

    In Japan, a forest bathing trip, called"Shinrinyoku"in Japanese, is a short, leisurely visit to a forest; it is regarded as being similar to natural aromatherapy. This review focuses on the effects of forest bathing trips on human immune function. Beginning in 2005, adult Japanese individuals, both male and female, participated in a series of studies aimed at investigating the effect of forest bathing trips on human immune function. The subjects experienced a 3-day/2-night trip to forest areas, and blood and urine were sampled on days 2 (the first sampling during each trip) and 3 (the second sampling during each trip), and on days 7 and 30 after the trips. Natural killer (NK) activity, the numbers of NK, granulysin-, perforin-, and granzymes A/B-expressing lymphocytes in the blood, and the concentration of urinary adrenaline were measured. The same measurements were made before the trips on a normal working day as a control. The mean values of NK activity and the numbers of NK, granulysin-, perforin-, and granzymes A/B-expressing cells on forest bathing days were significantly higher than those on the control days, whereas the mean values of the concentration of urinary adrenaline on forest bathing days were significantly lower than that on the control days in both male and female subjects. The increased NK activity lasted for more than 30 days after the trip, suggesting that a forest bathing trip once a month would enable individuals to maintain a higher level of NK activity. In contrast, a visit to the city as a tourist did not increase NK activity, the numbers of NK cells, or the level of intracellular granulysin, perforin, and granzymes A/B. These findings indicate that forest bathing trips resulted in an increase in NK activity, which was mediated by increases in the number of NK cells and the levels of intracellular granulysin, perforin, and granzymes A/B.

  • Effect of Integrated Yoga (IY) on psychological states and CD4 counts of HIV-1 infected patients: A randomized controlled pilot study. 📎

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    Abstract Title:

    Effect of Integrated Yoga (IY) on psychological states and CD4 counts of HIV-1 infected patients: A randomized controlled pilot study.

    Abstract Source:

    Int J Yoga. 2016 Jan-Jun;9(1):57-61. PMID: 26865772

    Abstract Author(s):

    Rosy Naoroibam, Kashinath G Metri, Hemant Bhargav, R Nagaratna, H R Nagendra

    Article Affiliation:

    Rosy Naoroibam

    Abstract:

    BACKGROUND:Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected individuals frequently suffer from anxiety and depression. Depression has been associated with rapid decline in CD4 counts and worsened treatment outcomes in HIV-infected patients. Yoga has been used to reduce psychopathology and improve immunity.

    AIM:To study the effect of 1-month integrated yoga (IY) intervention on anxiety, depression, and CD4 counts in patients suffering from HIV-1 infection.

    METHODS:Forty four HIV-1 infected individuals from two HIV rehabilitation centers of Manipur State of India were randomized into two groups: Yoga (n = 22; 12 males) and control (n = 22; 14 males). Yoga group received IY intervention, which included physical postures (asanas), breathing practices (pranayama), relaxation techniques, and meditation. IY sessions were given 60 min/day, 6 days a week for 1 month. Control group followed daily routine during this period. All patients were on anti-retroviral therapy (ART) and dosages were kept stable during the study. There was no significant difference in age, gender, education, CD4 counts, and ART status between the two groups. Hospital anxiety and depression scale was used to assess anxiety and depression, CD4 counts were measured by flow cytometry before and after intervention. Analysis of variance - repeated measures was applied to analyze the data using SPSS version 10.

    RESULTS:Within group comparison showed a significant reduction in depression scores (F [1, 21] =4.19, P<0.05) and non-significant reduction in anxiety scores along with non significant increment in CD4 counts in the yoga group. In the control group, there was a non-significant increase in anxiety and depression scores and reduction in CD4 counts. Between-group comparison revealed a significant reduction in depression scores (F [1, 21] =5.64, P<0.05) and significant increase in CD4 counts (F [1, 21] =5.35, P<0.05) in the yoga group as compared to the control.

    CONCLUSION:One month practice of IY may reduce depression and improve immunity in HIV-1 infected adults.

  • Effect of moderate exercise under hypoxia on Th1/Th2 cytokine balance.

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    Abstract Title:

    Effect of moderate exercise under hypoxia on Th1/Th2 cytokine balance.

    Abstract Source:

    Clin Respir J. 2019 Jul 16. Epub 2019 Jul 16. PMID: 31310707

    Abstract Author(s):

    Samile A Santos, Fábio S Lira, Edgar T Silva, Aline V Caris, Lila M Oyama, Ronaldo V Thomatieli-Santos

    Article Affiliation:

    Samile A Santos

    Abstract:

    INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE:Moderate exercise performed in normoxia can be immunostimulatory, while strenuous exercise can be immunosuppressive. However, less is known about the effects of exercise under hypoxia on cytokines. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of an acute exercise session performed under hypoxia similar to an altitude of 4200 m on cytokine balance. Our hypothesis was that exercise, even of moderate intensity, associated with hypoxia may induce different changes in relation to the normoxic condition.

    METHODS:Eight healthy male volunteers were exercised on a treadmill for 1 hour at an intensity of 50% VOunder normoxic or hypoxic condition (4200 m). Blood samples were collected at rest and immediately 1 hour after the exercise, respectively to determine cytokines, hormones and metabolites. The two-way ANOVA and the Bonferroni post hoc test were used and the significance adopted was P < .05.

    RESULTS:While IL-2, the IL-2/IL-4 ratio and glutamine decreased under hypoxia, IL-6 and IL-1ra increased. There were increases in the IL-2/IL-4 ratio, IL-6, IL-1ra and IL-10/TNF-α in normoxia. There were no differences in cortisol or glucose.

    CONCLUSION:Moderate exercise under hypoxia condition changes the Th1/Th2 balance including IL-2, IL-4 and TNF-α cytokines, suggesting a Th2 response after 1 hour rest.

  • Effect of rhythmic breathing (Sudarshan Kriya and Pranayam) on immune functions and tobacco addiction.

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    Abstract Title:

    Effect of rhythmic breathing (Sudarshan Kriya and Pranayam) on immune functions and tobacco addiction.

    Abstract Source:

    Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2005 Nov ;1056:242-52. PMID: 16387692

    Abstract Author(s):

    Vinod Kochupillai, Pratik Kumar, Devinder Singh, Dhiraj Aggarwal, Narendra Bhardwaj, Manisha Bhutani, Satya N Das

    Article Affiliation:

    Vinod Kochupillai

    Abstract:

    Stress, a psychophysiological process, acts through the immune-neuroendocrine axis and affects cellular processes of body and immune functions, leading to disease states including cancer. Stress is also linked to the habit of tobacco consumption and substance abuse, which in turn also leads to diseases. Sudarshan Kriya (SK) and Pranayam (P), rhythmic breathing processes, are known to reduce stress and improve immune functions. Cancer patients who had completed their standard therapy were studied. SK and P increased natural killer (NK) cells significantly (P<0.001) at 12 and 24 weeks of the practice compared to baseline. Increase in NK cells at 24 weeks was significant (P<0.05) compared to controls. There was no effect on T-cell subsets after SK and P either in the study group or among controls. SK and P helped to control the tobacco habit in 21% of individuals who were followed up to 6 months of practice. We conclude that the inexpensive and easy to learn and practice breathing processes (SK and P) in this study demonstrated an increase in NK cells and a reduction in tobacco consumption. When confirmed in large and randomized studies, this result could mean that the regular practice of SK and P might reduce the incidence and progression of cancer.

  • Effect of rhythmic breathing (Sudarshan Kriya and Pranayam) on immune functions and tobacco addiction.

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    Abstract Title:

    Effect of rhythmic breathing (Sudarshan Kriya and Pranayam) on immune functions and tobacco addiction.

    Abstract Source:

    Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2005 Nov ;1056:242-52. PMID: 16387692

    Abstract Author(s):

    Vinod Kochupillai, Pratik Kumar, Devinder Singh, Dhiraj Aggarwal, Narendra Bhardwaj, Manisha Bhutani, Satya N Das

    Article Affiliation:

    Vinod Kochupillai

    Abstract:

    Stress, a psychophysiological process, acts through the immune-neuroendocrine axis and affects cellular processes of body and immune functions, leading to disease states including cancer. Stress is also linked to the habit of tobacco consumption and substance abuse, which in turn also leads to diseases. Sudarshan Kriya (SK) and Pranayam (P), rhythmic breathing processes, are known to reduce stress and improve immune functions. Cancer patients who had completed their standard therapy were studied. SK and P increased natural killer (NK) cells significantly (P<0.001) at 12 and 24 weeks of the practice compared to baseline. Increase in NK cells at 24 weeks was significant (P<0.05) compared to controls. There was no effect on T-cell subsets after SK and P either in the study group or among controls. SK and P helped to control the tobacco habit in 21% of individuals who were followed up to 6 months of practice. We conclude that the inexpensive and easy to learn and practice breathing processes (SK and P) in this study demonstrated an increase in NK cells and a reduction in tobacco consumption. When confirmed in large and randomized studies, this result could mean that the regular practice of SK and P might reduce the incidence and progression of cancer.

  • Effect of Structured Physical Activity on Inflammation and Immune Activation Profile of Antiretroviral Therapy-Experienced Children Living With HIV. 📎

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    Abstract Title:

    Effect of Structured Physical Activity on Inflammation and Immune Activation Profile of Antiretroviral Therapy-Experienced Children Living With HIV.

    Abstract Source:

    Pediatr Exerc Sci. 2019 Dec 27:1-8. Epub 2019 Dec 27. PMID: 31881531

    Abstract Author(s):

    Bindu P Gopalan, Mary Dias, Karthika Arumugam, Reena R D'Souza, Mathew Perumpil, Prasanna Kulkarni, Udaykumar Ranga, Anita Shet

    Article Affiliation:

    Bindu P Gopalan

    Abstract:

    AIM:To compare the markers of inflammation and immune activation in virally suppressed HIV-infected children on antiretroviral therapy, who practiced regular structured exercise comprising running and yoga to those who did not over a 2-year period.

    METHODS:This retrospective cohort study included 72 children aged 8 to 16 years divided into 2 groups, exercisers (n = 36) and the nonexercisers (n = 36) based on their intentional physical activity. The analyses were carried out at baseline and after 2 years (Y2) for the soluble biomarkers of inflammation and immune activation (tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin-6, interleukin-10, interferon gamma, sCD14, and sCD163). In addition, cell-associated biomarker (CD38), lipopolysaccharides, and the gene expression of interleukin-2 and brain-derived neurotrophic factor were also measured at Y2.

    RESULTS:Reduction in levels of sCD14 (effect size [ES], -0.6; 95% confidence interval [CI], -1.08 to -0.14), tumor necrosis factor alpha (ES, -0.7; 95% CI, -1.18 to -0.23), interferon gamma (ES, -0.7; 95% CI, -1.17 to -0.22), and interleukin-10 (ES, -0.6; 95% CI, -1.08 to -0.14) was observed among exercisers as compared with nonexercisers at Y2. In addition, CD38+ expressing CD4+ T cells were found to be lower among exercisers (P = .01) at Y2. However, the differences in levels of interleukin-6, sCD163, lipopolysaccharides, interleukin-2, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor were not significantly different among the 2 groups.

    CONCLUSION:The study result suggests that regular structured physical activity improves the inflammatory profile of antiretroviral therapy-treated HIV-infected children.

  • Effectiveness of aromatherapy with light thai massage for cellular immunity improvement in colorectal cancer patients receiving chemotherapy📎

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    Abstract Title:

    Effectiveness of aromatherapy with light thai massage for cellular immunity improvement in colorectal cancer patients receiving chemotherapy.

    Abstract Source:

    Asian Pac J Cancer Prev. 2013 ;14(6):3903-7. PMID: 23886205

    Abstract Author(s):

    Santisith Khiewkhern, Supannee Promthet, Aemkhea Sukprasert, Wichai Eunhpinitpong, Peter Bradshaw

    Article Affiliation:

    Santisith Khiewkhern

    Abstract:

    BACKGROUND:Patients with colorectal cancer are usually treated with chemotherapy, which reduces the number of blood cells, especially white blood cells, and consequently increases the risk of infections. Some research studies have reported that aromatherapy massage affects the immune system and improves immune function by, for example, increasing the numbers of natural killer cells and peripheral blood lymphocytes. However, there has been no report of any study which provided good evidence as to whether aromatherapy with Thai massage could improve the immune system in patients with colorectal cancer. The objectives of this study were to determine whether the use of aromatherapy with light Thai massage in patients with colorectal cancer, who have received chemotherapy, can result in improvement of the cellular immunity and reduce the severity of the common symptoms of side effects.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS:Sixty-six patients with colorectal cancer in Phichit Hospital, Thailand, were enrolled in a single-blind, randomised-controlled trial. The intervention consisted of three massage sessions with ginger and coconut oil over a 1-week period. The control group received standard supportive care only. Assessments were conducted at pre-assessment and at the end of one week of massage or standard care. Changes from pre-assessment to the end of treatment were measured in terms of white blood cells, neutrophils, lymphocytes, CD4 and CD8 cells and the CD4/CD8 ratio and also the severity of self-rated symptom scores.

    RESULTS:The main finding was that after adjusting for pre-assessment values the mean lymphocyte count at the post-assessment was significantly higher (P=0.04) in the treatment group than in the controls. The size of this difference suggested that aromatherapy with Thai massage could boost lymphocyte numbers by 11%. The secondary outcomes were that at the post assessment the symptom severity scores for fatigue, presenting symptom, pain and stress were significantly lower in the massage group than in the standard care controls.

    CONCLUSIONS:Aromatherapy with light Thai massage can be beneficial for the immune systems of cancer patients who are undergoing chemotherapy by increasing the number of lymphocytes and can help to reduce the severity of common symptoms.

  • Effects of Aromatherapy Massage on Pregnant Women's Stress and Immune Function: A Longitudinal, Prospective, Randomized Controlled Trial.

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    Abstract Title:

    Effects of Aromatherapy Massage on Pregnant Women's Stress and Immune Function: A Longitudinal, Prospective, Randomized Controlled Trial.

    Abstract Source:

    J Altern Complement Med. 2017 Oct ;23(10):778-786. Epub 2017 Aug 7. PMID: 28783372

    Abstract Author(s):

    Pao-Ju Chen, Cheng-Chen Chou, Luke Yang, Yu-Lun Tsai, Yue-Cune Chang, Jen-Jiuan Liaw

    Article Affiliation:

    Pao-Ju Chen

    Abstract:

    OBJECTIVES:This study's aims are to examine the effects of aromatherapy massage on women's stress and immune function during pregnancy.

    METHODS:This longitudinal, prospective, randomized controlled trial recruited 52 healthy pregnant women from a prenatal clinic in Taipei using convenience sampling. The participants were randomly assigned to the intervention (n = 24) or control (n = 28) group using Clinstat block randomization. The intervention group received 70 min of aromatherapy massage with 2% lavender essential oil every other week (10 times in total) for 20 weeks; the control group received only routine prenatal care. In both groups, participants' salivary cortisol and immunoglobulin A (IgA) levels were collected before and after the intervention group received aromatherapy massage (every month from 16 to 36 weeks gestation) and were analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

    RESULTS:The pregnant women in the intervention group had lower salivary cortisol (p < 0.001) and higher IgA (p < 0.001) levels immediately after aromatherapy massage than those in the control group, which did not receive massage treatment. Comparing the long-term effects of aromatherapy massage on salivary IgA levels between groups at different times, the study found that the pretest salivary IgA levels at32 (p = 0.002) and 36 (p < 0.001) weeks gestational age (GA) were significantly higher than the pretest IgA at 16 weeks GA (baseline).

    CONCLUSIONS:This study presented evidence that aromatherapy massage could significantly decrease stress and enhance immune function in pregnant women. The findings can guide clinicians or midwives in providing aromatherapy massage to women throughout the pregnancy.

  • Effects of polysaccharides from Morchella conica on nitric oxide production in lipopolysaccharide-treated macrophages.

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    Abstract Title:

    Effects of polysaccharides from Morchella conica on nitric oxide production in lipopolysaccharide-treated macrophages.

    Abstract Source:

    Appl Microbiol Biotechnol. 2012 May ;94(3):763-71. Epub 2011 Dec 11. PMID: 22159604

    Abstract Author(s):

    Mian Huang, Song Zhang, Minglong Zhang, Shangkang Ou, Zhifu Pan

    Article Affiliation:

    Mian Huang

    Abstract:

    Morchella conica is a species of rare edible mushroom whose multiple medicinal functions have been proven. However, reports barely mention the mechanisms of these functions. In this study, the effects of two polysaccharides from M. conica (PMCs) on nitric oxide (NO) production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated macrophages were investigated. The results showed that 50-200μg/ml of the extracellular polysaccharide (EPMC) and 25-200 μg/ml of the intracellular polysaccharide (IPMC) significantly inhibited NO production. Accordingly, the signal mechanisms were also explored. It was found that 100 μg/ml of EPMC and 25 μg/ml of IPMC could efficiently down-regulate theinducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) DNA-binding activity and up-regulate heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) expression. Moreover, by using a HO-1 inhibitor NaPP to treat the cells, the PMC-inhibited NO production and iNOS expression, rather than NF-κB activation,were released partially, indicating that HO-1 probably medicates the inhibition of PMCs on iNOS and NO. Besides, EPMC also significantly suppressed the phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38), c-jun N-terminal kinase, mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 4, and expression ofNF-κB inducing kinase, while IPMC seemed to show no regular effect on p38. In conclusion, PMCs inhibited NO production in LPS-induced macrophages through regulating a series of signal pathways, suggesting that PMCs play a potential role on immunomodulation and treating related diseases.

  • Emerging Roles ofin Anti-Aging📎

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    Abstract Title:

    Emerging Roles ofin Anti-Aging.

    Abstract Source:

    Aging Dis. 2017 Dec ;8(6):691-707. Epub 2017 Dec 1. PMID: 29344411

    Abstract Author(s):

    Jue Wang, Bin Cao, Haiping Zhao, Juan Feng

    Article Affiliation:

    Jue Wang

    Abstract:

    is a white-rot fungus that has been viewed as a traditional Chinese tonic for promoting health and longevity. It has been revealed that several extractions from, such as Ethanol extract, aqueous extract, mycelia extract, water soluble extract of the culture medium ofmycelia, Ganodermasides A, B, C, D, and some bioactive components of, including Reishi Polysaccharide Fraction 3,polysaccharides I, II, III, IV,peptide,polysaccharide peptide, totaltriterpenes and Ganoderic acid C1 could exert lifespan elongation or related activities. Although the use ofas an elixir has been around for thousands of years, studies revealing its effect of lifespan extension are only the tip of the iceberg. Besides which, the kinds of extractions or components being comfrimed to be anti-aging are too few compared with the large amounts ofextractions or constituients being discovered. This review aims to lay the ground for fully elucidating the potential mechanisms ofunderlying anti-aging effect and its clinical application.

  • Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) Effects on Psychoimmunological Factors of Chemically Pulmonary Injured Veterans. 📎

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    Abstract Title:

    Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) Effects on Psychoimmunological Factors of Chemically Pulmonary Injured Veterans.

    Abstract Source:

    Iran J Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2015 Feb ;14(1):37-47. PMID: 25530137

    Abstract Author(s):

    Abdolreza Babamahmoodi, Zahra Arefnasab, Ahmad Ali Noorbala, Mostafa Ghanei, Farhang Babamahmoodie, Ahmad Alipour, Mohammad Hossein Alimohammadian, Farhad Riazi Rad, Vahid Khaze, Haideh Darabi

    Article Affiliation:

    Abdolreza Babamahmoodi

    Abstract:

    Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) as a new therapeutic technique in energy psychology has positive effects on psychological and physiological symptoms, and quality of life. In this research we studied the effect of this treatment on immunological factors. This study tested whether 8-week group sessions of EFT (compared to a wait-list control group) with emphasis on patient's respiratory, psychological and immunological problems in chemically pulmonary injured veterans (N=28) can affect on immunological and psychological factors. Mixed effect linear models indicated that EFT improved mental health (F=79.24, p=0) and health-related quality of life (F=13.89, p=0.001), decreased somatic symptoms (F=5.81, p=0.02), anxiety/insomnia (F=24.03, p<0.001), social dysfunction (F=21.59, p<0.001), frequency and severity of respiratory symptoms (F=20.38, p<0.001), and increased lymphocyte proliferation with nonspecific mitogens Concanavalin A (Con A) (F=14.32, p=0.001) and Phytohemagglutinin (PHA) (F=12.35, p=0.002), and peripheral blood IL-17 (F=9.11, p=0.006). This study provides an initial indication that EFT may be a new therapeutic approach for improving psychological and immunological factors.

  • Enhanced immunity in a mouse model of malignant glioma is mediated by a therapeutic ketogenic diet📎

    Abstract Title:

    Enhanced immunity in a mouse model of malignant glioma is mediated by a therapeutic ketogenic diet.

    Abstract Source:

    BMC Cancer. 2016 ;16:310. Epub 2016 May 13. PMID: 27178315

    Abstract Author(s):

    Danielle M Lussier, Eric C Woolf, John L Johnson, Kenneth S Brooks, Joseph N Blattman, Adrienne C Scheck

    Article Affiliation:

    Danielle M Lussier

    Abstract:

    BACKGROUND:Glioblastoma multiforme is a highly aggressive brain tumor with a poor prognosis, and advances in treatment have led to only marginal increases in overall survival. We and others have shown previously that the therapeutic ketogenic diet (KD) prolongs survival in mouse models of glioma, explained by both direct tumor growth inhibition and suppression of pro-inflammatory microenvironment conditions. The aim of this study is to assess the effects of the KD on the glioma reactive immune response.

    METHODS:The GL261-Luc2 intracranial mouse model of glioma was used to investigate the effects of the KD on the tumor-specific immune response. Tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T cells, CD4+ T cells and natural killer (NK) cells were analyzed by flow cytometry. The expression of immune inhibitory receptors cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) and programmed death 1 (PD-1) on CD8+ T cells were also analyzed by flow cytometry. Analysis of intracellular cytokine production was used to determine production of IFN, IL-2 and IFN- in tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T and natural killer (NK) cells and IL-10 production by T regulatory cells.

    RESULTS:We demonstrate that mice fed the KD had increased tumor-reactive innate and adaptive immune responses, including increased cytokine production and cytolysis via tumor-reactive CD8+ T cells. Additionally, we saw that mice maintained on the KD had increased CD4 infiltration, while T regulatory cell numbers stayed consistent. Lastly, mice fed the KD had a significant reduction in immune inhibitory receptor expression as well as decreased inhibitory ligand expression on glioma cells.

    CONCLUSIONS:The KD may work in part as an immune adjuvant, boosting tumor-reactive immune responses in the microenvironment by alleviating immune suppression. This evidence suggests that the KD increases tumor-reactive immune responses, and may have implications in combinational treatment approaches.

  • Enhancing immunity in viral infections, with special emphasis on COVID-19: A review📎

    Abstract Title:

    Enhancing immunity in viral infections, with special emphasis on COVID-19: A review.

    Abstract Source:

    Diabetes Metab Syndr. 2020 Apr 16 ;14(4):367-382. Epub 2020 Apr 16. PMID: 32334392

    Abstract Author(s):

    Ranil Jayawardena, Piumika Sooriyaarachchi, Michail Chourdakis, Chandima Jeewandara, Priyanga Ranasinghe

    Article Affiliation:

    Ranil Jayawardena

    Abstract:

    BACKGROUND AND AIMS:Balanced nutrition which can help in maintaining immunity is essential for prevention and management of viral infections. While data regarding nutrition in coronavirus infection (COVID-19) are not available, in this review, we aimed to evaluate evidence from previous clinical trials that studied nutrition-based interventions for viral diseases (with special emphasis on respiratory infections), and summarise our observations.

    METHODS:A systematic search strategy was employed using keywords to search the literature in 3 key medical databases: PubMed®, Web of Science® and SciVerse Scopus®. Studies were considered eligible if they were controlled trials in humans, measuring immunological parameters, on viral and respiratory infections. Clinical trials on vitamins, minerals, nutraceuticals and probiotics were included.

    RESULTS:A total of 640 records were identified initially and 22 studies were included from other sources. After excluding duplicates and articles that did not meet the inclusion criteria, 43 studies were obtained (vitamins: 13; minerals: 8; nutraceuticals: 18 and probiotics: 4). Among vitamins, A and D showed a potential benefit, especially in deficient populations. Among trace elements, selenium and zinc have also shown favourable immune-modulatory effects in viral respiratory infections. Several nutraceuticals and probiotics may also have some role in enhancing immune functions. Micronutrients may be beneficial in nutritionally depleted elderly population.

    CONCLUSIONS:We summaries possible benefits of some vitamins, trace elements, nutraceuticals and probiotics in viral infections. Nutrition principles based on these data could be useful in possible prevention and management of COVID-19.

  • Epigenetic Regulation of Metabolism and Inflammation by Calorie Restriction.

    Abstract Title:

    Epigenetic Regulation of Metabolism and Inflammation by Calorie Restriction.

    Abstract Source:

    Adv Nutr. 2019 Mar 27. Epub 2019 Mar 27. PMID: 30915465

    Abstract Author(s):

    Diego Hernández-Saavedra, Laura Moody, Guanying Bianca Xu, Hong Chen, Yuan-Xiang Pan

    Article Affiliation:

    Diego Hernández-Saavedra

    Abstract:

    Chronic caloric restriction (CR) without malnutrition is known to affect different cellular processes such as stem cell function, cell senescence, inflammation, and metabolism. Despite the differences in the implementation of CR, the reduction of calories produces a widespread beneficial effect in noncommunicable chronic diseases, which can be explained by improvements in immuno-metabolic adaptation. Cellular adaptation that occurs in response to dietary patterns can be explained by alterations in epigenetic mechanisms such as DNA methylation, histone modifications, and microRNA. In this review, we define these modifications and systematically summarize the current evidence related to CR and the epigenome. We then explain the significance of genome-wide epigenetic modifications in the context of disease development. Although substantial evidence exists for the widespread effect of CR on longevity, there is no consensus regarding the epigenetic regulations of the underlying cellular mechanisms that lead to improved health. We provide compelling evidence that CR produces long-lasting epigenetic effects that mediate expression of genes related to immuno-metabolic processes. Epigenetic reprogramming of the underlying chronic low-grade inflammation by CR can lead to immuno-metabolic adaptations that enhance quality of life, extend lifespan, and delay chronic disease onset.

  • Exercise and gut immune function: evidence of alterations in colon immune cell homeostasis and microbiome characteristics with exercise training.

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    Abstract Title:

    Exercise and gut immune function: evidence of alterations in colon immune cell homeostasis and microbiome characteristics with exercise training.

    Abstract Source:

    Immunol Cell Biol. 2016 Feb ;94(2):158-63. Epub 2015 Dec 2. PMID: 26626721

    Abstract Author(s):

    Marc D Cook, Jacob M Allen, Brandt D Pence, Matthew A Wallig, H Rex Gaskins, Bryan A White, Jeffrey A Woods

    Article Affiliation:

    Marc D Cook

    Abstract:

    There is robust evidence that habitual physical activity is anti-inflammatory and protective against developing chronic inflammatory disease. Much less is known about the effects of habitual moderate exercise in the gut, the compartment that has the greatest immunological responsibility and interactions with the intestinal microbiota. The link between the two has become evident, as recent studies have linked intestinal dysbiosis, or the disproportionate balance of beneficial to pathogenic microbes, with increased inflammatory disease susceptibility. Limited animal and human research findings imply that exercise may have a beneficial role in preventing and ameliorating such diseases by having an effect on gut immune function and, recently, microbiome characteristics. Emerging data from our laboratory show that different forms of exercise training differentially impact the severity of intestinal inflammation during an inflammatory insult (for example, ulcerative colitis) and may be jointly related to gut immune cell homeostasis and microbiota-immune interactions. The evidence we review and present will provide data in support of rigorous investigations concerning the effects of habitual exercise on gut health and disease.

  • Exercise as an anti-inflammatory therapy for cancer cachexia: a focus on interleukin-6 regulation.

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    Abstract Title:

    Exercise as an anti-inflammatory therapy for cancer cachexia: a focus on interleukin-6 regulation.

    Abstract Source:

    Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol. 2020 Feb 1 ;318(2):R296-R310. Epub 2019 Dec 11. PMID: 31823669

    Abstract Author(s):

    Hélène N Daou

    Article Affiliation:

    Hélène N Daou

    Abstract:

    Cancer cachexia is a complicated disorder of extreme, progressive skeletal muscle wasting. It is directed by metabolic alterations and systemic inflammation dysregulation. Numerous studies have demonstrated that increased systemic inflammation promotes this type of cachexia and have suggested that cytokines are implicated in the skeletal muscle loss. Exercise is firmly established as an anti-inflammatory therapy that can attenuate or even reverse the process of muscle wasting in cancer cachexia. The interleukin IL-6 is generally considered to be a key player in the development of the microenvironment of malignancy; it promotes tumor growth and metastasis by acting as a bridge between chronic inflammation and cancerous tissue and it also induces skeletal muscle atrophy and protein breakdown. Paradoxically, a beneficial role for IL-6 has also been identified recently, and that is its status as a"founding member"of the myokine class of proteins. Skeletal muscle is an important source of circulating IL-6 in people who participate in exercise training. IL-6 acts as an anti-inflammatory myokine by inhibiting TNFα and improving glucose uptake through the stimulation of AMPK signaling. This review discusses the action of IL-6 in skeletal muscle tissue dysfunction and the role of IL-6 as an"exercise factor"that modulates the immune system. This review also sheds light on the main considerations related to the treatment of muscle wasting in cancer cachexia.

  • Exercise training attenuates experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis by peripheral immunomodulation rather than direct neuroprotection.

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    Abstract Title:

    Exercise training attenuates experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis by peripheral immunomodulation rather than direct neuroprotection.

    Abstract Source:

    Exp Neurol. 2017 Oct 12 ;299(Pt A):56-64. Epub 2017 Oct 12. PMID: 29031957

    Abstract Author(s):

    Ofira Einstein, Nina Fainstein, Olga Touloumi, Roza Lagoudaki, Ester Hanya, Nikolaos Grigoriadis, Abram Katz, Tamir Ben-Hur

    Article Affiliation:

    Ofira Einstein

    Abstract:

    BACKGROUND:Conflicting results exist on the effects of exercise training (ET) on Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis (EAE), nor is it known how exercise impacts on disease progression.

    OBJECTIVE:We examined whether ET ameliorates the development of EAE by modulating the systemic immune system or exerting direct neuroprotective effects on the CNS.

    METHODS:Healthy mice were subjected to 6weeks of motorized treadmill running. The Proteolipid protein (PLP)-induced transfer EAE model in mice was utilized. To assess effects of ET on systemic autoimmunity, lymph-node (LN)-T cells from trained- vs. sedentary donor mice were transferred to naïve recipients. To assess direct neuroprotective effects of ET, PLP-reactive LN-T cells were transferred into recipient mice that were trained prior to EAE transfer or to sedentary mice. EAE severity was assessed in vivo and the characteristics of encephalitogenic LN-T cells derived from PLP-immunized mice were evaluated in vitro.

    RESULTS:LN-T cells obtained from trained mice induced an attenuated clinical and pathological EAE in recipient mice vs. cells derived from sedentary animals. Training inhibited the activation, proliferation and cytokine gene expression of PLP-reactive T cells in response to CNS-derived autoantigen, but strongly enhanced their proliferation in response to Concanavalin A, a non-specific stimulus. However, there was no difference in EAE severity when autoreactive encephalitogenic T cells were transferred to trained vs. sedentary recipient mice.

    CONCLUSION:ET inhibits immune system responses to an auto-antigen to attenuate EAE, rather than generally suppressing the immune system, but does not induce a direct neuro-protective effect against EAE.

  • Exercise training can attenuate the inflammatory milieu in women with systemic lupus erythematosus. 📎

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    Abstract Title:

    Exercise training can attenuate the inflammatory milieu in women with systemic lupus erythematosus.

    Abstract Source:

    J Appl Physiol (1985). 2014 Sep 15 ;117(6):639-47. Epub 2014 Jul 18. PMID: 25038103

    Abstract Author(s):

    Luiz A Perandini, Diego Sales-de-Oliveira, Suzana B V Mello, Niels O Camara, Fabiana B Benatti, Fernanda R Lima, Eduardo Borba, Eloisa Bonfa, Ana L Sá-Pinto, Hamilton Roschel, Bruno Gualano

    Article Affiliation:

    Luiz A Perandini

    Abstract:

    Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease characterized by chronic inflammation. This study sought to assess the effects of an exercise training program on cytokines and soluble TNF receptors (sTNFRs) in response to acute exercise in SLE women. Eight SLE women and 10 sex-, age-, and body mass index-comparable healthy controls (HC) participated in this study. Before and after a 12-wk aerobic exercise training program, cytokines and sTNFRs were assessed at rest and in response to single bouts of acute moderate/intense exercise. HC performed the acute exercise bouts only at baseline. After the exercise training program, there was a decrease in resting TNFR2 levels (P = 0.025) and a tend to reduction interleukin (IL)-10 levels (P = 0.093) in SLE. The resting levels of IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α after the exercise training in SLE reached HC levels (P>0.05). In response to a single bout of acute moderate exercise, the area under the curve (AUC) of IL-10 was significantly reduced after the exercise training program in SLE (P = 0.043), and the AUC of IL-10, IL-6, TNF-α, and sTNFR1 of SLE approached control values (P>0.05). In response to a single bout of acute intense exercise, the AUC of IL-10 was significantly reduced in SLE (P = 0.015). Furthermore, the AUC of sTNFR2 tended to decrease after exercise training program in SLE (P = 0.084), but it did not reach control values (P = 0.001). An aerobic exercise training program attenuated the inflammatory milieu in SLE women, revealing a novel homeostatic immunomodulatory role of exercise in an autoimmunity condition.

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