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[Relationship between nutritional depletion and cell-mediated immune function in active pulmonary tuberculosis]
M Yoshikawa1, T Yoneda, J Maegawa
1Second Department of Internal Medicine, Nara Medical University, Japan.
Kekkaku : [Tuberculosis]
|April 1, 1994
Summary
Nutritional deficiencies, including low visceral proteins and altered plasma amino acids (Fischer ratio), are linked to impaired cell-mediated immunity in tuberculosis patients. These factors correlate with reduced immune responses.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Nutritional Science
- Biochemistry
Context:
- Pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) is a significant global health challenge.
- Nutritional status and immune function are critical in TB pathogenesis and patient outcomes.
- Hospitalized TB patients often exhibit compromised nutritional markers and immune responses.
Purpose:
- To investigate the relationship between nutritional status and cell-mediated immune function in patients with active pulmonary tuberculosis.
- To assess anthropometric measurements, visceral protein levels, plasma amino acid profiles, and immune cell activities in TB patients compared to healthy controls.
Summary:
- This study surveyed 47 hospitalized TB patients and healthy controls, finding significantly reduced anthropometric measurements (%IBW, %AC, %AMC, %TSF) and visceral proteins (Alb, Tf, PA, RBP) in patients.
- Patients displayed plasma amino acid imbalance (reduced Fischer ratio), impaired delayed-type hypersensitivity (DNCB), and reduced lymphocyte transformation (PHA, Con A), though NK cell activity was higher.
- Reduced Fischer ratio correlated with anthropometric measurements, while immune parameters like DNCB response and lymphocyte transformation were linked to visceral protein levels and Fischer ratio.
Impact:
- The findings suggest that plasma amino acid imbalance and visceral protein depletion are closely associated with impaired lymphocyte function in active pulmonary tuberculosis.
- Understanding these relationships can inform nutritional interventions and immunomodulatory strategies for TB management.
- This research highlights the critical interplay between nutrition and immunity in the context of tuberculosis.