Acupuncture, Herbs and Nutrients for Immune Health

by Barbara Connor, M.Ac., L.Ac.

Soon we will be entering into cold and flu season so I thought it would be timely to share with you today studies on the benefits of acupuncture, herbs, nutrients and foods and the effects of lifestyle in building and maintaining healthy immune function.  I hope you find this article helpful.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Studies on the Benefits of Acupuncture and Moxibustion on Immune Health
• List of Beneficial Herbs, Nutrients and Foods for Immune Health
• Studies on Beneficial Herbs, Nutrients and Foods for Immune Health
• Effects of Lifestyle, Blood Markers, Etc. on Immune Function

Introduction

The human immune system and its response to any specific stimulus is extremely complex and comprises a variety of physical elements, cell types, hormones and interactive modulators. These responses are precisely coordinated to protect the body’s tissues against pathogenic agents. (Gunzer et al 2012)

Mucosal immunity, particularly in saliva, is considered the first line of defense against pathogens, because it contains numerous protective proteins. Some of these, such as salivary immunoglobulins (Igs), are involved in innate and adaptive immune responses. In addition to Igs, there are also cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-1ß, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and IL-6, that are used to assess the response to acute stress, stimulating immune cells, and modulating local inflammation. (Caris et al 2017)

Components of the innate immune response, including neutrophils and macrophages, are the first line of defense against infections. (Solana et al 2012)

Macrophages are cells of the innate immune system that populate every organ. They display great functional plasticity and are required for maintenance of tissue homeostasis, immunity against invading pathogens, and tissue repair.  In adulthood, tissue resident macrophage subsets are replenished by monocytes that are recruited from the bone marrow. The two major subsets of monocytes are termed inflammatory and patrolling monocytes. Under steady state, patrolling monocytes crawl along the vasculature where they function as immune sentinels. (Lauterbach & Wunerlich 2017)

Respiratory and gastrointestinal tract infections are a relevant problem for young children attending day care or preschool, especially in the winter season. These conditions are facilitated by a general immaturity of the immune system and of respiratory and gastrointestinal tract functions. (Corsello et al 2017)

It is now widely recognized that the intestinal microbiota shape mucosal immunity through various mechanisms. (Edelblum et al 2017) Secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA) is the principal regulator of adaptive defenses on the intestinal mucosal surface of humans. (Ren et al 2016)

The immune system is connected to the endocrine and neural systems via a number of pathways that integrate the functions of the hypothalamus, pituitary glands, adrenal glands, thyroid glands, gonads and autonomic nervous system. (Gonzalez-Diaz et al 2017)

A well-functioning immune system can be disrupted by multiple factors, such as inadequate nutrition, physical, psychological, and environmental stresses as well as oxidative stress. (Yu et al 2016) The immune system is extremely vulnerable to oxidant and antioxidant balance as uncontrolled free radical production can impair its function and defense mechanism. (Asiani & Ghobadi 2016)

Adequate intakes of vitamins and trace elements are required for the immune system to function efficiently. Micronutrient deficiency suppresses immune functions by affecting the innate T-cell-mediated immune response and adaptive antibody response, and leads to dysregulation of the balanced host response. This increases the susceptibility to infections, with increased morbidity and mortality. (Wintergerst et al 2007)

In Traditional Chinese Medicine immunity is connected with Wei Qi, Zheng Qi and the San Jiao (Triple Burner). Wei Qi or Defensive Qi deals with prevention and resistance, and protects the body against pathogens. It circulates outside the channels in the skin, muscles and fascia. It is controlled by the Lungs, so Lung deficiency can lead to Wei Qi deficiency. It is also controlled by the San Jiao. The fascia is the realm of the San Jiao and has to do with lymphatics. We would like to begin by sharing with you some studies on the benefits of acupuncture and moxibustion on immune health.

Studies on the Benefits of Acupuncture and Moxibustion on Immune Health

• Acupuncture may improve the immune system by increasing the counts of a few immune cells and relieve fatigue in cancer patients by decreasing FSS scores. Although this was a non-controlled study, it constitutes preliminary research investigating the potential effects of [Korean] Saam acupuncture in increasing the counts of several immune cells in cancer patients. (Kim et al 2014)

• The acupuncture therapy at selective time is effective in the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome of qi deficiency syndrome, which is especially better at relieving mental fatigue. The effect of this therapy is achieved probably by improving the immune function via the regulation of the ratios among CD3+, CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. (Ling et al 2013)

• We confirmed that acupuncture stimulation could quantitatively as well as qualitatively regulate leukocytes and their subsets. First, the increase of CD2+, CD4+, CD8+, CD11b+, CD16+, CD19+ and CD56+ cell counts as well as the levels of IL-1β, IL-4 and IFN-γ suggested that acupuncture enhances humoral and cellular immunity, including the activities of NK cells (31–35). We observed that the levels of IFN-γ containing cells were increased 9 times in this trial, while in a previous trial on hot-spring bathing, the levels only increased 1.19 times. Based on the observations that expression levels of IFN-γ were elevated on day 11 and returned to the original level by 1 month after stimulation, one treatment of acupuncture per month might be recommended in order to enhance IFN-γ.  (Yamaguchi et al 2007)

• Acupuncture for warming yang and benefiting qi effectively controls the symptoms of bronchial asthma at chronic persistent stage and improves immune and pulmonary functions. The efficacy is better than that of seretide. (Xie et al 2015)

• Moxibustion and acupuncture have been shown to regulate the ratio of Th17 and Treg cells in the intestinal mucosa of Crohn’s disease patients and restore the balance between these immune cell subsets. Th17 cells play important roles in mediating inflammatory responses. Treg cells inhibit the proliferation of effector T cells and their reaction to autoantigens, thus controlling the strength of immune responses elicited by effector T cells and limiting the severity of associated tissue damage. (Zhao et al 2015)

• Moxibustion at Guanyuan (CV 4), Shenshu (BL 23) and Zusanli (ST 36) can improve immune function of children with cerebral palsy, which is superior to pidotimod [an immunostimulant]. (Ying et al 2016)

• This study demonstrated that electroacupuncture at the ST36 acupoint was able to regulate the production of immune cytokines (IFN-γ, IL-2 and IL-17) and the differentiation and activation of splenic T cells, which was mediated by the regulation of extracellular and intracellular Ca2+ concentrations. Our results also suggested that Ca2+ influx in spleen cells induced by electroacupuncture at the ST36 acupoint might be mediated by transient receptor potential vanilloid channels. (Chen et al 2017)

• Electro-acupuncture at Zusanli and Guanyuan could improve clinical curative effect in patients with sepsis, which might be achieved by regulation of the immune system. (Yang et al 2016)

List of Beneficial Herbs, Nutrients and Foods for Immune Health

• Aged garlic extract
• American ginseng
• Arginine
• Arginine and Glutamine
• Astragalus root
• Astragalus seeds
• Astragalus soup
• Beta-glucan( β-glucan
• Black cumin
• Burdock (Arctium lappa), bur marigold (Bidens tripartite), nettle (Urtica dioica) and licorice (Glycyrrhisa glabra)
• Cat’s claw and Echinacea
• Cordyceps militaris
• Coriolus versicolor
• Curcumin
• Echinacea
• Echinacea, Astragalus and Glycyrrhiza
• Elderberry (Sambucus nigra)
• Ellagic acid
• Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG)
• Ganoderma lucidum
• Ginger
• Ginsenoside
• Glucan and resveratrol
• Glutamine
• Glycyrrhizic acid
• Honokiol and magnolol
• Lactoferrin
• Modified Aloe polysaccharide
• Probiotics
• Propolis
• Rehmannia glutinosa polysaccharide
• Resveratrol
• Schisandra chinensis
• Silybum Marianum (milk thistle)
• Tangeretin
• Vitamins A, B6, C, D, and E, zinc; iron; copper; selenium; magnesium
• Vitamins A and D
• Vitamins B(6), folate, B(12), C, E, and of selenium, zinc, copper, and iron
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin D
• Whey protein
• Zinc

Studies on Beneficial Herbs, Nutrients and Foods for Immune Health

• Aged garlic extract – This study concluded that supplementing the diet with aged garlic extract resulted in enhanced immune cell function, and perhaps under less inflammatory conditions. (Percival SS 2016)

• American ginseng – This study found that a novel protein of the roots of American ginseng had good immunoregulatory effects supporting the traditional claims and may provide a valuable therapeutic strategy to promoting immune function and metabolism. (Qi et al 2016)

• Arginine and glutamine – The results of this animal study suggest that dietary arginine or glutamine supplementation may inhibit intestinal Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli infection through intestinal innate immunity. (Liu et al 2017)

• Arginine metabolism has emerged as a critical regulator of innate and adaptive immune responses. The major arginine-catabolizing enzymes involved in inflammatory immune responses are the isoforms of NOS (NOS1–3) and arginase (arginase 1 and 2). (Rodriguez et al 2017)

• Astragalus root (Astragali Radix)– The results of this study indicate that total flavonoids of Astragalus have potential immunostimulatory and anti-inflammatory effects. (Guo et al 2016) PMID: 28852721 Flavonoids are a large group of secondary plant metabolites present in the diet. In addition to antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cholesterol-lowering, and many other biological functions reported in the literature, flavonoids appear to inhibit cancer cell proliferation and stimulate immune function. (Burkard et al 2017)

• Astragalus seeds – The results of this study suggest that the flavonoid component from the seeds of Astragalus complanatus (FAC) upregulate the expressions of NKG2D, NKp44, which in turn influence NK-92 cells activation. FAC may serve as an immunostimulatory of natural killer (NK) cells for tumor treatment. (Han et al 2015)

• Astragalus soup – In a relatively short period of three months, Taiji boxing produces no noticeable effect on the improvement of immunity in elderly women. However, when they resume the exercise for another three months and longer, Taiji boxing has a noticeable advantage and the effect is the most favorable when it is combined with astragalus soup. (Song et al 2014)

• Beta-glucan( β-glucan) – Recent studies also demonstrate that β-glucan can function as a potent adjuvant to stimulate innate and adaptive immune responses. Most β-glucans are derived from yeast, bacteria, barley or fungi. (Ning et al 2016)

• Black cumin (Nigella sativa) and its major active ingredient, thymoquinone (TQ) – Experimental evidence suggests that N. sativa extracts and TQ can potentially be employed in the development of effective therapeutic agents towards the regulation of immune reactions implicated in various infectious and non-infectious conditions including different types of allergy, autoimmunity, and cancer. (Majdalawieh & Fayyad 2015)

• Burdock (Arctium lappa) and bur marigold (Bidens tripartite) extracts stimulated the humoral immune response, nettle (Urtica dioica) and licorice (Glycyrrhisa glabra) extracts stimulated cellular response and nonspecific resistance, their effects being superior to those of pharmacopoeial Echinacea purpurea tincture in this animal study. (Borsuk et al 2011)

• Cat’s claw and Echinacea – Comparison of the in vitro data with our earlier observations that cat’s claw and Echinacea were each effective in reducing B16/F10 lung tumor colony formation in C57BL/6J mice suggests macrophage activation is the primary means by which these herbs modulate the immune system. (Groom et al 2007)

• Cordyceps militaris is safe and effective for enhancing cell-mediated immunity of healthy male adults. (Kang et al 2015)

• Coriolus versicolor – Clinical studies support PSP, a unique peptide-containing polysaccharide and the most active biological component in Coriolus versicolor, being a potential immunotherapeutic. However, the complicated chemical and multiple pharmacological properties of PSP need to be investigated further. Both innate and acquired immunities are enhanced by PSP through activating T-cells, B-cells, NK-cells, cytotoxic T-cells, antigen-presenting cells, and tissue macrophages accompanied by releasing a variety of chemokines, cytokines, and growth factors. (Chang et al 2017)

• Curcumin – This cell and animal study supports the potential of curcumin as a promising treatment against influenza A virus infection, whose effect may be mediated by regulating immune response to prevent injury to the lung tissue. (Han et al 2017)

• Echinacea purpurea succus from aerial plant parts is a wide-spectrum immunomodulator, with various forms that differ greatly between each other. They can contain a number of active compounds that in specific proportions can either work synergistically or oppose one another. Hence every medication that is based on those substances should be thoroughly tested prior to being approved for use in various immune system malfunctions. (Balan et al 2016)

• Echinacea, Rhodiola, Ginseng – In this review we try to find out if the most common herbal supplements (Echinacea, Rhodiola, Ginseng) are effective in the improvement of performance or in the modulation of the immune system. According to the results of our review, the prevalent effect is adaptogenic rather than ergogenic, with a better tolerance of the exercise induced stress, related to enhancement of the whole immune system and decrease of the oxidative damage. (Amico et al 2013)

• Echinacea – The findings of this animal study demonstrated that Echinacea is a wide-spectrum immunomodulator that modulates both innate and adaptive immune responses. (Zhai et al 2007)

• Echinacea, Astragalus and Glycyrrhiza – The results of this pilot human study demonstrate that Echinacea, Astragalus and Glycyrrhiza herbal tinctures stimulated immune cells as quantified by CD69 expression on CD4 and CD8 T cells. This activation took place within 24 h of ingestion, and continued for at least 7 days. In addition, these three herbs had an additive effect on CD69 expression when used in combination. (Brush et al 2006)

• Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) – The results of this study clearly show the in vivo efficacy of elderberry in suppressing viral replication and stimulating the immune response. (Kinoshita et al 2012)

• Ellagic acid (EA) – This study demonstrated that oral innate immunity is affected by EA found in fruits. Thus, it may play some roles in mucosal innate immunity. The potential of EA for modulating the innate immune mediators may lead to developing a new topical agent to treat and/or prevent immune-mediated oral diseases. Ellagic acid is found in various fruits such as pomegranates, blackberries, raspberries, strawberries, and walnuts. (Promsong et al 2015)

• Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) – The results of this animal study collectively show that EGCG consumption during aging strengthens systemic immunity by enhancing cellular immune response and simultaneously attenuating antibody response aided by an increase in adrenal DHEA production. Thus, consumption of green tea may be beneficial in alleviating some of the deleterious aspects of aging and immunosenescence in elderly. (Sharma et al 2017)

• Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides (GL-PS) display regulatory abilities toward the immune system, resulting in antitumor and antioxidation effects. (Zeng et al 2017)

• Ginger extract – Macrophages play a role in the activation of the adaptive immune system by behaving as antigen presenting cells (APCs). In conditions like transplantation macrophages infiltrate the graft at an early stage and initiate an inflammatory response against the graft and also act as APCs thereby activating the T cell mediated graft rejection course. Our results indicate that ginger extract suppresses the antigen presentation function of macrophages by decreasing MHC class II molecule expression. It also decreases the costimulatory molecule expression, the second signal essential for T cell activation, and also inhibits the cytokine and chemokine production. (Tripathi et al 2008)
• Ginsenoside (a compound isolated from panax ginseng) – Ginsenoside Rg1 has been demonstrated to promote immunological response and may enhance T-cell activities (22,23). Ginsenoside Rh2 and Rd also acted as immunomodulators in a lot of physiological and pathological processes. (Wang et al 2017)
• Glucan and resveratrol – The results of this study showed that both glucan and resveratrol complex stimulated phagocytosis of blood leukocytes, caused increase in surface expression of CD(+) splenocytes and showed higher restoration of spleen recovery after experimentally induced leucopenia. In all these cases, strong synergetic effects were observed. When we measured the effects of these substances on expression level of NF-kappaB2, Cdc42 and Bcl-2 in breast cancer cells, upregulation of Cdc42 expression was evident only using both immunomodulators in combination. (Vetvicka et al 2007)

• Glutamine supplementation may be able to restore immune function and reduce the immunosuppressive effects of heavy-load training. (Song et al 2015)

• Glycyrrhizic acid (GA) (a bioactive ingredient of licorice) – Clinical and experimental studies suggest that GA possesses several useful pharmacological properties, including anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties. (Han et al 2017)

• Honokiol and magnolol – In this study, we found that herbal medicines, honokiol and magnolol, caused a significant cellular immune modulatory effect during S. aureus infection. (Choi it al 2015)

• Lactoferrin (Lf) is a glycoprotein of the primary innate immune-defense system of mammals present in milk and other mucosal secretions. This protein of the transferrin family has broad antimicrobial properties by depriving pathogens from iron, or disrupting their plasma membranes through its highly cationic charge. Noteworthy, Lf also exhibits immunomodulatory activities performing up- and down-regulation of innate and adaptive immune cells, contributing to the homeostasis in mucosal surfaces exposed to myriad of microbial agents, such as the gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts. (Drago-Serrano et al 2017)

• Lactoferrin has multiple functions in host defense through binding iron, binding to bacterial membranes, inhibition of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β), stimulating the activity, maturation of lymphocytes, and contributing to an anti-oxidizing mileau. (Cacho & Lawrence 2017)

• Modified Aloe polysaccharide (MAP) – The results of this animal study consistently suggest that oral administration of modified Aloe polysaccharide (extracted from Aloe vera) markedly prevented the immune system from being weakened under chronic EFS stress conditions. Furthermore, the immune-enhancing effect of MAP was demonstrated on every component of the immune system not only on the non-specific and specific immunity, but also on cellular and humoral responses of the specific immunity. (Lee et al 2016)

• Probiotics demonstrate immunomodulation properties on both local and systemic (some aspects of both innate and acquired immune responses) immunity. In non-athletic populations, a recent systematic review concluded that probiotic use resulted in a lower incidence of upper respiratory tract infections, reduced numbers of illness days, and fewer days of absence from day care/school/work. Despite a lower number of studies, the same benefits seem to exist in athletic populations. (Bermon et al 2017)

• Probiotics may improve a person’s health by regulating their immune function. In this Cochrane review probiotics were better than placebo in reducing the number of participants experiencing episodes of acute upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs), the mean duration of an episode of acute URTI, antibiotic use and cold-related school absence. This indicates that probiotics may be more beneficial than placebo for preventing acute URTIs. However, the quality of the evidence was low or very low. (Hao et al 2015)

• Propolis modulated the maturation and function of dendritic cells (DCs) and may be useful in the initial steps of the immune response, providing a novel approach to the development of DC-based strategies and for the discovery of new immunomodulators. Dendritic cells are antigen-presenting cells, essential for recognition and presentation of pathogens to T cells. (Conti et al 2016)

• Propolis activated macrophages to stimulate interferon (IFN)-gamma production in association with the secondary activation of T-lymphocytes, resulting in a decrease in IgG and IgM production. Cytokines released from macrophages in mouse peripheral blood after Propolis administration activated helper T-cells to proliferate. In addition, activated macrophages in association with the secondary T-lymphocyte activation increased IFN-gamma production and stimulated proliferation of cytotoxic T-cells and suppressor T-cells, indicating the activation of cell-mediated immune responses. (Takagi et al 2005)

• Rehmannia glutinosa polysaccharide (RGP) – The findings of this study provided valuable information that RGP possessed strong immunoenhancement activity. (Huang et al 2013)

• Resveratrol – The results of this study demonstrated that resveratrol had potent immune enhancement activity in immunosuppressive mice, and one possible mechanism of action was to activate the NF-κB. (Lai et al 2016)

• Resveratrol – By administering resveratrol to healthy humans and utilizing primary immune cells we were able to detect TNF-α enhancing properties of the agent. In parallel, we found enhanced alternative NF-κB activation. (Gualdoni et al 2014)

• Schisandra chinensis This study done using human monocytic leukemia cells found that Schisandra chinensis may be therapeutically beneficial by promoting humoral and cell-mediated immune responses. (lin et al 2011)

• Silybum Marianum (milk thistle) extract – This study found that Milk Thistle is immunostimulatory in vitro. It increased lymphocyte proliferation in both mitogen and mixed lymphocyte culture (MLC) assays. These effects of Milk Thistle were associated with an increase in interferon gamma, interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-10 cytokines in the MLC. This immunostimulatory effect increased in response to increasing doses of Milk Thistle. Our study has uncovered a novel effect of milk thistle on the immune system. This immunostimulatory effect may be of benefit in increasing the immunity to infectious diseases. (Wilasrusmee et al 2002)

• Tangeretin (a major constituent of the pericarp of Citrus sp) – The results of this study suggest that oral administration of tangeretin may attenuate colitis by suppressing IL-12 and TNF-α expression and nuclear factor kappa-B activation through the inhibition of lipopolysaccharide binding on immune cells such as dendritic cells. (Eun et al 2017)

• Vitamins A, B6, C, D, and E, zinc; iron; copper; selenium; magnesium – Immune cells need energy fuel substrates (glucose, amino acids, and fatty acids) and multiple nutrients to divide and produce protective chemicals; to move, engulf, and destroy pathogens; and produce proteins (e.g., cytokines and immunoglobulins) and lipid mediators (e.g., prostaglandins, leukotrienes, and specialized pro-resolving mediators). Multiple enzyme systems are involved, with critical roles defined for zinc; iron; copper; selenium; magnesium; vitamins A, B6, C, D, and E; and others. (Nieman & Mitmesser 2017)

• Vitamins A and D play important roles in both cell-mediated and humoral antibody response and support a Th2-mediated anti-inflammatory cytokine profile. Vitamin A deficiency impairs both innate immunity (mucosal epithelial regeneration) and adaptive immune response to infection resulting in an impaired ability to counteract extracellular pathogens. Vitamin D deficiency is correlated with a higher susceptibility to infections due to impaired localized innate immunity and defects in antigen-specific cellular immune response. (Wintergerst et al 2007)

• Vitamins B(6), folate, B(12), C, E, and of selenium, zinc, copper, and iron – Adequate intake of vitamins B(6), folate, B(12), C, E, and of selenium, zinc, copper, and iron supports a Th1 cytokine-mediated immune response with sufficient production of proinflammatory cytokines, which maintains an effective immune response and avoids a shift to an anti-inflammatory Th2 cell-mediated immune response and an increased risk of extracellular infections. Supplementation with these micronutrients reverses the Th2 cell-mediated immune response to a proinflammatory Th1 cytokine-regulated response with enhanced innate immunity. (Wintergerst et al 2007)

• Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is thought to enhance immune function, but the mechanisms involved are obscure.  The results of this in vitro study provide strong experimental evidence supporting a role for ascorbic acid in T-cell maturation as well as insight into the mechanism of ascorbate-mediated enhancement of immune function. (Manning et al 2013)

• Vitamin D – A large number of different immune cells and functions are influenced by vitamin D. These effects are mainly mediated through modulation of the expression of several genes. Optimal circulating 25-hydroxy vitamin D concentration is possibly beyond 75 nmol/l as individuals with such a vitamin D concentration demonstrated a lower incidence of upper respiratory tract illness than those with an actually recommended vitamin D concentration (of around 50 nmol/l). (Bermon et al 2017)

• Vitamin D is crucial to activating our immune defenses. Without sufficient intake of the vitamin, the killer cells of the immune system — T cells — are not be able to react to and fight off serious infections in the body. For T cells to detect and kill foreign pathogens such as clumps of bacteria or viruses, the cells must first be ‘triggered’ into action and ‘transform’ from inactive and harmless immune cells into killer cells that are primed to seek out and destroy all traces of a foreign pathogen. It was found that the T cells rely on vitamin D in order to activate and they would remain dormant, ‘naïve’ to the possibility of threat if vitamin D is lacking in the blood. (von Essen et al 2010)

• Whey protein – The components of whey include beta-lactoglobulin, alpha-lactalbumin, bovine serum albumin, lactoferrin, immunoglobulins (e.g. IgA), lactoperoxidase enzymes, glycomacropeptides, vitamins such as vitamin D, and minerals such as Ca2+. Whey protein supplements are considered also as a cocktail of amino acids, since they contain up to 26% of branched chain amino acids, plus L-arginine, L-lysine, L-glutamine, among others. Thus, the effects of whey protein in the immune system may represent the effect of particular amino acids per se. (Cruzat et al 2014)

• Zinc – Many organs are affected by zinc deficiency, especially the immune system which is markedly susceptible to changes of zinc levels. Polymorphonuclear cells chemotaxis and phagocytosis are reduced during zinc deficiency, whereas zinc supplementation has the opposite effect. Moreover, before macrophages can mature into tissue resident cells, circulating monocytes must be attracted to the target tissues and adhere to endothelial cells. In vitro, this process of adhesion is augmented by zinc. In terms of the adaptive immune response, zinc deficiency causes thymic atrophy and subsequent T-cell lymphopenia as well as reduction of premature and immature B cells, and consequently antibody production is also reduced. (Gammoh & Rink 2017)

• Zinc is an essential component of numerous proteins involved in the defense against oxidative stress. It has been shown, that depletion of Zinc may enhance DNA damage via impairments of DNA repair mechanisms. In addition, Zinc has an impact on the immune system and possesses neuroprotective properties. (Jomova & Valko 2011)

Effects of Lifestyle, Blood Markers, Etc. on Immune Function

• Yoga – Regular yoga practice remarkably attenuated oxidative stress and improved antioxidant levels of the body. Moreover, yoga beneficially affected stress hormone releases as well as partially improved immune function.(Lim & Cheong 2015)
• Intense exercise – IgA is the most abundant protein in the antibacterial mucosa and it is considered the best indicator of oral mucosal immunity. Intense exercise causes a reduction in IgA levels and increases in Interleukin-1 ß (IL-1ß), TNF-α, and IL-6 concentrations, resulting in poor performance of the immune function of the mucous membranes, increasing the incidence of upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs), and the emergence of other opportunistic diseases. (Caris et al 2017)
• Physical activity in breast cancer patients – This review summarizes the results of international studies and the current discussion of effects of physical activity on the immune system of breast cancer patients. Increased immunological anti-cancer activity due to physical activity is probably mediated via an increase in number and cytotoxicity of monocytes and natural killer cells and cytokines. (Schmidt et al 2017)
• Stress – Immediate immunomodulation to acute psychological stress was defined as a short-term selective up-regulation of natural killer (NK) cell-associated cytotoxic and IL-12 mediated signaling genes that correlated with increased cortisol, catecholamines and NK cells into the periphery. In parallel, we observed down-regulation of innate immune toll-like receptor genes and genes of the MyD88-dependent signaling pathway. (Breen et al 2016)
• Stress – Over the past 20 years these authors have demonstrated both in animal models and in human studies that stress increases neuroendocrine hormones, particularly glucocorticoids and catecholamines but to some extent also prolactin, growth hormone and nerve growth factor. They have also shown that stress, through the action of these stress hormones, has detrimental effects on immune function, including reduced NK cell activity, lymphocyte populations, lymphocyte proliferation, antibody production and reactivation of latent viral infections. (Webster Marketon & Glaser 2008)
• Elevated cortisol – These findings support previously published relationships between blunted cortisol responses and risk for problem drinking, as well as elevated cortisol and decreased immune response. (Cebqallos et al 2015)
• Cortisol is widely recognized for its role in the stress response and for its physiologic anti-inflammatory effects. The mechanism underlying its anti-inflammatory effects may be multifaceted including transcriptional suppression of proinflammatory genes and inhibition of the functions of macrophages and neutrophils. (Dong et al 2016)
• Chronic inflammation is frequently associated with malignant growth and is thought to promote and enhance tumor progression, although the mechanisms which regulate this relationship remain elusive. The results of this study support the hypothesis that inflammation promotes malignant cell growth by inducing immune suppression, and show that decreased accumulation of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) is one of the mechanisms by which reducing inflammation delays tumor progression. (Bunt et al 2007)

• Immunosuppression is a state of temporary or permanent immunity dysfunction and can make an organism more sensitive to pathogens due to damage to the immune system. (Gong et al 2015)

• Immunosuppression – The tumor microenvironment is well known to be immunosuppressive. Tumor cells consistently release many types of immunosuppressive and proinflammatory factors, such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), TGF-β, IL-10 and IL-6, and express surface molecules such as PD-1, B7-H1 and TIM-3, which facilitate tumor immune escape and tumor growth. (Ning et al 2016)
• LDH (lactate dehydrogenase) – It is interesting to observe that elevated LDH (a blood biomarker) is a negative prognostic biomarker not only because it is a key enzyme involved in cancer metabolism, but also because it allows neoplastic cells to suppress and evade the immune system by altering the tumor microenvironment. (Ding et al 2017)
• Bisphenol – In an animal study perinatal exposure to bisphenol weakens protective and regulatory immune functions in the intestine and at the systemic level in adult progeny. (Malaise et al 2017)

*****

Compassionate Acupuncture and Healing Arts, providing craniosacral acupuncture, herbal and nutritional medicine in Durham, North Carolina. Phone number 919-475-1005.