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Noninvasive Sampling of Mucosal Lining Fluid for the Quantification of In Vivo Upper Airway Immune-mediator Levels
Published on: August 7, 2017
Immunological parameters in current and former US Air Force personnel
W H Wolfe1, J C Miner, J E Michalek
1Epidemiologic Research Division, Armstrong Laboratory (AFMC), Brooks Air Force Base, Texas 78235-5241.
Vaccine
|January 1, 1993
Summary
Immune cell counts and functions in US Air Force personnel are significantly affected by age and alcohol consumption, leading to suppressed immunity. Tobacco use, however, showed a stimulatory effect on T-cell immunity.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Hematology
Background:
- Assessing immune status is crucial for understanding health outcomes.
- Previous studies have not comprehensively evaluated lifestyle factors' impact on immune markers in military personnel.
Purpose of the Study:
- To extensively assess the immune system of US Air Force personnel.
- To determine the influence of age, race, body fat, tobacco, and alcohol on immune cell distribution and function.
Main Methods:
- Conducted cell surface marker studies (CD2, CD4, CD8, CD20, CD14, HLA-DR) on 497 male subjects.
- Performed functional assays including phytohemagglutinin (PHA) stimulation, mixed lymphocyte cultures, and natural killer cell assays.
- Utilized statistical analyses to correlate immune variables with demographic and lifestyle factors.
Main Results:
- Age and alcohol consumption showed significant negative correlations with most immune cell counts and functions.
- Tobacco use was associated with increased T-cell numbers and function.
- Significant variations were observed across different immune parameters.
Conclusions:
- Age-specific reference ranges are essential for accurate immune status assessment.
- Lifestyle factors, particularly alcohol and tobacco use, critically influence immune markers.
- Consideration of lifestyle factors is necessary for interpreting laboratory assessments of immune status.
