Anti-oxidants as modulators of immune function.

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Pharmacology
• Gerontology

Background:

• Immune function can be altered by pathological conditions and aging.
• Antioxidants are hypothesized to have immunomodulatory effects, restoring immune function to optimal levels.
• Lymphocyte adherence and chemotaxis/proliferation are key immune indicators affected by these alterations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the immunomodulating potential of antioxidants in experimental models.
• To assess the effects of N-acetylcysteine and vitamin E on immune cell function.
• To determine if antioxidants can restore immune function in pathological and physiological states.

Main Methods:

• Studied lethal murine endotoxic shock induced by LPS injection.
• Administered N-acetylcysteine to mice with endotoxic shock.
• Investigated the effects of vitamin E supplementation in aged human subjects with varying baseline lymphocyte functions.

Main Results:

• N-acetylcysteine decreased lymphocyte adherence and increased chemotaxis in endotoxic shock mice.
• Vitamin E lowered lymphocyte adherence and stimulated lymphoproliferation in 'standard' aged men.
• Vitamin E reversed these effects in 'non-standard' aged men, normalizing functions towards adult levels.

Conclusions:

• Antioxidants demonstrate immunomodulatory capabilities, correcting altered immune parameters.
• N-acetylcysteine and vitamin E show potential in mitigating immune dysfunction caused by endotoxic shock and aging.
• These findings suggest antioxidants can preserve immune cell function against homeostatic disturbances.