How does vitamin C affect the immune system?5 answersVitamin C plays a crucial role in modulating the immune system through various mechanisms. Studies have shown that vitamin C enhances cancer immunotherapy by boosting the immunogenic properties of dendritic cells and promoting cancer immunity. Additionally, vitamin C supplementation has been found to elevate levels of interferon and interleukins, essential components of immune responses, during vaccination against rabies virus. Furthermore, high-dose vitamin C supplementation post hematopoietic stem cell transplantation improves the reconstitution of natural killer cells and CD3+ lymphocytes, leading to enhanced immune function and reduced infection frequency. Overall, vitamin C's impact on the immune system includes enhancing immune responses, promoting antigen presentation, and improving immune cell function, highlighting its importance in maintaining a robust immune system.
What are the effects of vitamin C on the immune system?4 answersVitamin C has various effects on the immune system. It plays a crucial role in the differentiation and maturation of dendritic cells (DCs), which are important for bridging the adaptive and innate immune responses. Vitamin C triggers extensive demethylation at NF-κB/p65 binding sites, leading to the upregulation of antigen-presentation and immune response-related genes during DC maturation. Additionally, vitamin C increases the production of TNFβ in DCs through NF-κB, which is associated with the upregulation of its coding gene and the demethylation of adjacent CpGs. Furthermore, vitamin C enhances the ability of DCs to stimulate the proliferation of autologous antigen-specific T cells. In the context of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), high-dose vitamin C supplementation has been shown to improve the reconstitution of natural killer (NK) lymphocytes, decrease the frequency of infections, and enhance immune reconstitution. Moreover, vitamin C administration has been found to elevate the levels of interferon (IFN)-γ, interleukin (IL)-4, and IL-5, indicating its immunological improvement in the effectiveness of inactivated rabies virus vaccination.
How does Crohn's disease affect the immune system?4 answersCrohn's disease is characterized by chronic inflammation primarily affecting the gastrointestinal tract. The disease is believed to be a form of immunodeficiency with an underlying impairment of the early innate immune response. Patients with Crohn's disease have a diminished acute inflammatory response, resulting in reduced neutrophil recruitment and cytokine production. This impairment is also observed in monocyte-derived macrophages, leading to decreased cytokine secretion and impaired bacterial clearance. Abnormal gene expression has been observed in macrophages from Crohn's patients, further supporting the weak innate immune response. The mucosal immune system plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance between tolerating commensal bacteria and attacking pathogens. Defects in this interaction, such as mutations, can lead to inflammatory bowel disease, including Crohn's disease. The underlying cause of Crohn's disease is still not fully understood, but evidence suggests a primary defect of relative immunodeficiency rather than over-activation of the immune response.
What are the health effects of smoking cigarettes?5 answersCigarette smoking has numerous health effects. In the short-term, it can lead to respiratory and non-respiratory effects, addiction to nicotine, and an increased risk of other drug use. Smoking also has negative effects on nerves and oral health, causing taste and smell disturbances, xerostomia, and decreased somatosensory function. In addition, smoking is associated with chronic diseases such as lung cancer, COPD, stroke, and heart disease, due to the harmful chemicals present in cigarette smoke. Furthermore, smoking has been linked to cardiovascular diseases, cancer of the throat and oral cavities, diseases of the bowel, eye, respiratory system, and reproductive system. It can also impact mental aspects of wellbeing, including depression, mood, and anxiety disorders. Smoking is a significant risk factor for immune-mediated, inflammatory diseases such as multiple sclerosis, leading to increased susceptibility to infection and a persistent proinflammatory environment. Overall, smoking cessation is crucial for improving overall health and wellbeing.
What are the effects of tobacco smoking on the body?5 answersTobacco smoking has various detrimental effects on the body. It impairs the immune system, affecting both the innate and adaptive responses, leading to impaired immunological responses and permanent cellular and molecular damage. Tobacco smoke contains genotoxic carcinogens that cause DNA damage and can lead to tumor induction in organs such as the bladder, larynx, and pharynx. Smoking is associated with serious cardio-respiratory diseases, including lung cancer, pulmonary diseases, cardiac diseases, and stroke. It also has a significant impact on cardiovascular and metabolic health, increasing the risk of acute myocardial infarction, sudden cardiac death, stroke, aortic aneurysm, and peripheral vascular disease. Additionally, smoking affects the immune system, leading to increased production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and the development of atopic diseases, asthma, and autoimmune disorders. Overall, tobacco smoking has wide-ranging negative effects on the body, impacting various systems and increasing the risk of numerous diseases.
What are the effects of stress on the immune system?4 answersPsychological stress has been shown to have various effects on the immune system. Chronic stress can accelerate immune aging, leading to chronic disease morbidity and mortality. Stress-induced reduction in the number of circulating lymphocytes and the responsiveness of T-lymphocytes to a mitogenic stimulus has been observed in rats. Stress can also alter immune functions and promote depressive- and anxiety-like behaviors through the mobilization of myeloid cells, release of cytokines, and alteration of neuronal activity in the brain. Additionally, stress can suppress the immune system by shifting from Th1 subset to Th2 subset of cells and through the actions of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis and sympathetic nervous system. The effects of stress on the immune system can vary depending on the type of stressor and the resulting neuroimmune responses.