[Relation between malnutrition and cell-mediated immunity in pulmonary tuberculosis]

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Nutritional Science
• Infectious Diseases

Context:

• Epidemiological studies link malnutrition to tuberculosis reactivation and development.
• Limited understanding of nutritional status and its impact on cell-mediated immunity in tuberculosis patients.

Purpose:

• To comprehensively profile the nutritional status of tuberculosis patients.
• To investigate the effects of malnutrition on cell-mediated immunity and cytokine production in tuberculosis.

Summary:

• Nutritional status was assessed via anthropometrics and biochemical tests; cell-mediated immunity was evaluated using delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH), lymphocyte transformation, and natural killer (NK) activity.
• Tuberculosis patients exhibited lower anthropometrics, visceral proteins, and a significantly reduced Fischer ratio (branched-chain to aromatic amino acid ratio).
• Impaired DTH, lymphocyte transformation, and reduced NK activity were observed in patients, correlating with malnutrition markers and decreased IL-2 and IL-1 production.

Impact:

• Findings suggest malnutrition, particularly a reduced Fischer ratio, is associated with impaired cell-mediated immunity and altered cytokine profiles in pulmonary tuberculosis.
• Highlights the importance of nutritional assessment and intervention in managing tuberculosis.
• Provides insights into the immunopathogenesis of tuberculosis, emphasizing the role of nutritional deficiencies.