Obesity and Immunity Linked
Posted on: Tuesday, 5 February 2008, 15:00 CST
Obesity and immunity may be linked through hormone activity, two studies by researchers at Michigan State University show.
The studies, both published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, examined the link between the neuroendocrine system and white blood cell function.
These two studies, while not directly related, show that the neuroendocrine system plays a big role in both the immune system and obesity, lead scientist for both studies Pamela Fraker said in a statement.
The first study discovered leptin -- a hormone produced by fat cells that control how much food is eaten and how quickly energy is burned -- also supports white blood cell production, which in turn enhances immune function.
This is a brand new role for leptin, Fraker said. It appears that most obese people may be somewhat immunosuppressed. This finding shows us that the body's resistance to leptin plays a role in that, too.
The second study found corticosteroids produced naturally in the body do not suppress the immune system in the way prescription steroids -- such as inflammation-reducing prednisone -- do.
With the pharmacological versions of steroids, you lose some immune function, Fraker said.
Source: United Press International
Related Articles
- Cancer Patients Use New Guided Imagery CD to Help Boost Healthy Immune Functioning
- Scientists Hope Immune Function Can Improve Old TB Vaccine
- Immune Function in Adult Heart Transplant Patients Reflects Risk for Organ Rejection and Infection
- Prospective Microbial Analysis of Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluids With Immune Function Testing Can Distinguish Between Fungal Colonization and Fungal Disease In Lung Transplant Recipients
- Independent Studies Report on Possible Roles for Cylex's Immune Cell Function Assay in Monitoring of Heart and Lung Transplant Recipients
- ImmuKnow(R), Cylex's Immune Function Test, Expands Role in Guiding Therapies Relating to Organ Transplants
- Gentium to Present Data Showing Defibrotide Modulates Immune Functions
- Targeted Renal Therapy With FlowMedica's Benephit(TM) Delta Infusion System Improves Kidney Function in an Experimental Model of Congestive Heart Failure: Research Presented at TCT Symposium
- RNA Interference; Researchers adapt RNA interference to study gene function on a large scale
- Harvard Medical School; Researchers adapt RNA interference to study gene function on a large scale
 |
 |
User Comments (0)
RSS Feeds