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Related Concept Videos

Immunodeficiency Diseases01:25

Immunodeficiency Diseases

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Immunodeficiency disorders are conditions in which the immune system's ability to fight infectious disease and cancer is compromised or entirely absent. The immune system comprises a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to protect the body from potentially harmful invaders. When this system is deficient or not functioning properly, it leaves the body susceptible to infections, diseases, or other complications.
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When T cells with CD4 markers are activated, they give rise to two types of effector cells: helper T cells and regulatory T cells. Meanwhile, T cells with CD8 markers differentiate into effector cytotoxic T cells. The differentiation of CD4 T cells into helper T cell subsets, such as Th1, Th2, and Th17 cells, is dependent on the antigen type, antigen-presenting cell, and regulatory cytokines.
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The initiation of cell-mediated immunity can be observed as early as the third month of fetal growth, with active antibody-mediated immunity following approximately one month later.
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Disorders of Leukocytes01:27

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Leukocyte disorders can lead to either leukopenia, characterized by an abnormally low leukocyte count, or leukocytosis, marked by a very high leukocyte number.
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Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection01:26

Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection

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The hosts' susceptibility to infection depends on several factors. The integrity of the skin and mucous membranes helps protect the body against microbial attacks. When the skin is altered, the chance of infection, limb loss, and even death increases.
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Regulation of Hematopoietic Stem Cells01:01

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All blood and immune cells are produced from the multipotent hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) by the process of hematopoiesis. However, they all have a limited life span. In addition, many are depleted in immune surveillance or combatting an injury or infection. This makes blood one of the most regenerative tissues. Hematopoiesis helps replenish these blood and immune cells, restoring the body's normal functioning. However, overproduction of blood and immune cells can make them cancerous or...
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Infectious diseases, IL6 -174G>C polymorphism, and human development.

Valerio Napolioni1, James MacMurray2

  • 1Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.

Brain, Behavior, and Immunity
|August 21, 2015
PubMed
Summary

High Interleukin-6 (IL6) production, linked to pathogen resistance, correlates with lower national intelligence and development. This genetic adaptation in disease-endemic regions may explain cognitive deficits and reduced human development index (HDI).

Keywords:
BrainCognitionEvolutionGenoeconomicsGlobal distributionHuman developmentInfectious diseasesInterleukin 6Polymorphism

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Area of Science:

  • Evolutionary biology
  • Human genetics
  • Global health

Background:

  • Interleukin-6 (IL6) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine crucial for pathogen resistance.
  • Sustained IL6 activity can lead to tissue damage, while genetic variations like the -174G>C polymorphism (rs1800795) influence IL6 production.
  • Previous research suggests a link between high IL6 alleles and cognitive impairments, particularly in disease-endemic areas.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between the high-producing G-allele of the IL6 -174G>C polymorphism and cognitive deficits.
  • To determine if this genetic variation in disease-endemic regions correlates with reduced social, economic, and political development.
  • To analyze the relationship between IL6 allele frequencies, infectious disease prevalence, national intelligence (IQ), and the Human Development Index (HDI).

Main Methods:

  • Analyzed global data from 189 nations, including World Health Organization infectious disease ratings.
  • Incorporated the Historical Pathogen Prevalence index and national average intelligence (IQ) scores.
  • Utilized Human Development Index (HDI) data and IL6 -174G>C allele frequencies from 171,168 individuals across 84 nations.

Main Results:

  • The frequency of the high-producing G-allele of IL6 -174G>C was positively correlated with infectious disease ranking (r=0.745, P<0.001).
  • A significant negative correlation was found between the G-allele frequency and national IQ (r=-0.524, P<0.001) and HDI (r=-0.671, P<0.001).
  • These findings indicate a robust association between higher pathogen burden, increased IL6 response, cognitive deficits, and lower HDI.

Conclusions:

  • In regions with high pathogen prevalence, genetic selection for enhanced IL6 response is associated with cognitive impairments.
  • This evolutionary adaptation may contribute to reduced national intelligence and lower Human Development Index rankings.
  • The study highlights a potential trade-off between immune defense and cognitive function in populations facing significant infectious disease pressure.