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[Evaluation of granulocytes in children with malnutrition]
D Okrzeja1, M J Niznikowska-Marks, D Nabiałek
1Kliniki Pediatrii CMKP w Dziekanowie Leśnym.
Insights
Undernourished infants show reduced bone marrow granulocyte reserves but enhanced phagocytic activity and peroxidase levels. These findings highlight immune system adaptations in severe undernutrition.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Hematology
- Pediatric Nutrition
Context:
- Severe undernutrition (II and III degree) significantly impacts infant health.
- The granulocyte system plays a crucial role in innate immunity.
- Understanding immune cell function in undernourished infants is vital for clinical management.
Purpose:
- To investigate the granulocyte system's status in infants with severe undernutrition.
- To evaluate bone marrow reserve pools, circulating granulocytes, phagocytosis, and granulocytic enzyme activity.
- To compare these parameters with age-matched healthy infants.
Summary:
- Infants with severe undernutrition exhibited a significant decrease in bone marrow reserve granulocytes, comparable to newborns.
- Increased phagocytic activity and intracellular killing readiness were observed in granulocytes from undernourished infants.
- While alkaline phosphatase activity remained normal, peroxidase activity was elevated in granulocytes during severe undernutrition.
Impact:
- Reveals altered granulocyte kinetics and function in infant undernutrition.
- Suggests a compensatory immune response in undernourished infants.
- Provides insights into potential therapeutic targets for immune support in pediatric malnutrition.
Abstract:
In 29 infants with II and III degree of undernutrition, the studies were performed of the granulocyte system including: the number of granulocytes in the bone marrow reserve pool, circulating pool, parietal and total peripheral blood, phagocytosis evaluation, NBT test and the activity of granulocytic enzymes-alkaline phosphatase and peroxidase. The following deviations were found in comparison to children of the same age with normal body weight: 1. Significant decrease of the reserve granulocyte pool in the bone marrow in children with considerable undernutrition, reaching the value of bone marrow reserve in newborn. 2. Increase of phagocytic activity of granulocyte in children with undernutrition, and increased readiness of these cells to intracellular killing. 3. Normal activity of alkaline phosphatase in granulocytes, increased peroxidase activity during the period of considerable undernutrition.