scholarly journals COVID-19: sitting is the new smoking; the role of exercise in augmenting the immune system among the elderly

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 189-93
Author(s):  
Olorunfemi Tokunbo ◽  
Taiwo Abayomi ◽  
Damilare Adekomi ◽  
Ibukun Oyeyipo
Keyword(s):  
Immune System ◽  
Therapeutic Strategy ◽  
Sedentary Lifestyle ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Data Synthesis ◽  
Global Spread ◽  
Effective Therapeutic Strategy ◽  
Data Source

Introduction: Like smoking, sedentary lifestyle is an issue of great concern because of its deleterious health challenges and implications. Given the global spread of the new coronavirus (COVID-19), social isolation regulations and laws have been implemented in many countries to contain the spread of the virus and this has caused a drastic shift from the usual physically demanding life to a sedentary lifestyle characterized by significantly reduced physical activities and prolong sitting. Methods/Data Source: Human and nonhuman primate literature was examined to compare experimental and clinical modulation of inflammatory cytokines by exercised-induced myokines. Data synthesis: Experimental and clinical evidence was used to examine whether exercised-induced myokines can prime the immune system of the elderly population during the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusion: The immune system changes with advancement in age which increases the likelihood of infectious disease morbidity and mortality in older adults. Several epidemiological studies have also shown that physical inactivity among geri- atric population impacts negatively on the immune system. Evidences on the importance of exercise in priming the immune system of elderly individuals could be an effective therapeutic strategy in combating the virus as it may well be a case of “let those with the best immune system win”. Keywords: Exercise; immune system; sedentary lifestyle; myokines.

scholarly journals Mechanizmy COVID-19 a układ odpornościowy i jego starzenie

Kosmos ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 70 (3) ◽  
pp. 407-417
Author(s):  
Jacek M. Witkowski ◽  
Ewa Bryl
Keyword(s):  
Immune System ◽  
Inflammatory Diseases ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Old People ◽  
Innate And Adaptive Immunity ◽  
Chronic Inflammatory Diseases ◽  
Elderly And Old People

Epidemiological studies concerning the new coronavirus disease called COVID-19 show that elderly and old people are more susceptible to symptomatic, severe course of the disease, and also to death as its consequence. These age groups frequently suffer from associated, aging-related, chronic inflammatory diseases, in the case of COVID-19 described as co-morbidities. This paper describes the mechanisms of infection by SARS-CoV-2 virus and the development of acute COVID-19 and of its chronic form called long COVID, as well as the participation of various components of the immune system in the development and course of  this disease in the context of changing properties (aging) of both the innate and adaptive immunity in the elderly. In particular, the role of two key phenomena occurring in the aging immune system and precipitating or at least facilitating the aging-related diseases including COVID-19, namely the immunosenescence and inflammaging, is discussed.

Mitochondrial dysfunction and the AKI-to-CKD transition

2020 ◽  
Vol 319 (6) ◽  
pp. F1105-F1116
Author(s):  
Mingzhu Jiang ◽  
Mi Bai ◽  
Juan Lei ◽  
Yifan Xie ◽  
Shuang Xu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Therapeutic Strategy ◽  
Kidney Diseases ◽  
Kidney Injury ◽  
Mitochondrial Homeostasis ◽  
Cycle Arrest ◽  
Persistent Inflammation ◽  
Acute Injuries ◽  
Nephron Loss ◽  
Effective Therapeutic Strategy

Acute kidney injury (AKI) has been widely recognized as an important risk factor for the occurrence and development of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Even milder AKI has adverse consequences and could progress to renal fibrosis, which is the ultimate common pathway for various terminal kidney diseases. Thus, it is urgent to develop a strategy to hinder the transition from AKI to CKD. Some mechanisms of the AKI-to-CKD transition have been revealed, such as nephron loss, cell cycle arrest, persistent inflammation, endothelial injury with vascular rarefaction, and epigenetic changes. Previous studies have elucidated the pivotal role of mitochondria in acute injuries and demonstrated that the fitness of this organelle is a major determinant in both the pathogenesis and recovery of organ function. Recent research has suggested that damage to mitochondrial function in early AKI is a crucial factor leading to tubular injury and persistent renal insufficiency. Dysregulation of mitochondrial homeostasis, alterations in bioenergetics, and organelle stress cross talk contribute to the AKI-to-CKD transition. In this review, we focus on the pathophysiology of mitochondria in renal recovery after AKI and progression to CKD, confirming that targeting mitochondria represents a potentially effective therapeutic strategy for the progression of AKI to CKD.

scholarly journals Effects of dietary antioxidants on the immune function of middle-aged adults

1999 ◽  
Vol 58 (1) ◽  
pp. 79-84 ◽  
Author(s):  
David A. Hughes
Keyword(s):  
Immune System ◽  
Immune Function ◽  
Tissue Injury ◽  
Human Subjects ◽  
Cell Communication ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Middle Aged ◽  
Phagocytic Cells ◽  
Optimal Function

The immune system is highly reliant on accurate cell–cell communication for optimal function, and any damage to the signalling systems involved will result in an impaired immune responsiveness. Oxidant-mediated tissue injury is a particular hazard to the immune system, since phagocytic cells produce reactive oxygen species as part of the body's defence against infection. Adequate amounts of neutralizing antioxidants are required, therefore, to prevent damage to the immune cells themselves. Many antioxidants can be obtained directly from the diet (e.g. ascorbic acid, α-tocopherol, carotenoids and polyphenolic flavonoids) or require micronutrients as integral components (e.g. Se in the metalloenzyme glutathione peroxidase (EC 1.11.1.9)). Numerous epidemiological studies have found strong associations between diets rich in antioxidant nutrients and a reduced incidence of cancer, and it has been suggested that a boost to the body's immune system by antioxidants might, at least in part, account for this. Although more striking effects have been observed in the elderly, there is also evidence that antioxidant nutrients can modify cell-mediated immune responses in younger individuals. Indeed, it might be essential to have an adequate intake of antioxidant nutrients from an early age in order to help prevent the development of, or at least delay the onset of, several degenerative disorders. The present paper will review the effects of specific nutrients on immune function in young to middle-aged human subjects, focusing on the antioxidant vitamins C and E, and on Se. A further review, dealing more specifically with the effects of carotenoids on human immune function, will be presented at a forthcoming meeting of the Nutrition Society.

scholarly journals Role of Senescence and Aging in SARS-CoV-2 Infection and COVID-19 Disease

Cells ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. 3367
Author(s):  
Seodhna M. Lynch ◽  
Guangran Guo ◽  
David S. Gibson ◽  
Anthony J. Bjourson ◽  
Taranjit Singh Rai
Keyword(s):  
Immune System ◽  
Severe Disease ◽  
Severe Infection ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
System Response ◽  
Aging Research ◽  
Global Pandemic ◽  
Immune System Response ◽  
Response Current

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has resulted in a global pandemic associated with substantial morbidity and mortality worldwide, with particular risk for severe disease and mortality in the elderly population. SARS-CoV-2 infection is driven by a pathological hyperinflammatory response which results in a dysregulated immune response. Current advancements in aging research indicates that aging pathways have fundamental roles in dictating healthspan in addition to lifespan. Our review discusses the aging immune system and highlights that senescence and aging together, play a central role in COVID-19 pathogenesis. In our review, we primarily focus on the immune system response to SARS-CoV-2 infection, the interconnection between severe COVID-19, immunosenescence, aging, vaccination, and the emerging problem of Long-COVID. We hope to highlight the importance of identifying specific senescent endotypes (or “sendotypes”), which can used as determinants of COVID-19 severity and mortality. Indeed, identified sendotypes could be therapeutically exploited for therapeutic intervention. We highlight that senolytics, which eliminate senescent cells, can target aging-associated pathways and therefore are proving attractive as potential therapeutic options to alleviate symptoms, prevent severe infection, and reduce mortality burden in COVID-19 and thus ultimately enhance healthspan.

scholarly journals A Review of the Role Micronutrient Status in the Elderly Plays in Their Immune Response to Viral Respiratory Infections and the Potential Compromising Effects Medications Might Cause

2020 ◽  
pp. 59-85
Author(s):  
Michael P. Wakeman
Keyword(s):  
Immune System ◽  
Respiratory Infections ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Micronutrient Status ◽  
Viral Respiratory Infections ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Global Population ◽  
Healthy Immune System ◽  
Viral Respiratory

The elderly are a growing proportion of the global population. They are more susceptible to non-communicable diseases and respiratory viral diseases like influenza and covid19, which may lead to increased levels of morbidity and mortality than those of a younger generation. It is also reported that co-morbidities, especially diabetes, hypertension and coronary heart disease contribute significantly to the prognosis with these types of infections. That the immune system operates in a less efficient way as an individual ages, is now well understood and likely contributes significantly to this situation. The role of certain micronutrients in maintaining a healthy immune system is well recognised and demonstrated to play an important role both in preventing and controlling infection. However, for a number of reasons many elderly individuals have a less than optimal intake of many of the micronutrients that support the immune system. This review examines the contributory roles an aging immune system, suboptimal intake of micronutrients, comorbidities and the impact of the intake of medications typically used to treat them can play in the outcome of viral respiratory infections. It identifies the need for supplementation, especially in the elderly to support the immune system.

scholarly journals The Role of Creatine in the Development and Activation of Immune Responses

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 751
Author(s):  
Eric C. Bredahl ◽  
Joan M. Eckerson ◽  
Steven M. Tracy ◽  
Thomas L. McDonald ◽  
Kristen M. Drescher
Keyword(s):  
Immune System ◽  
Immune Responses ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Elite Athletes ◽  
Nutritional Supplements ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Adaptive Immune Responses ◽  
Adaptive Immune ◽  
The Past

The use of dietary supplements has become increasingly common over the past 20 years. Whereas supplements were formerly used mainly by elite athletes, age and fitness status no longer dictates who uses these substances. Indeed, many nutritional supplements are recommended by health care professionals to their patients. Creatine (CR) is a widely used dietary supplement that has been well-studied for its effects on performance and health. CR also aids in recovery from strenuous bouts of exercise by reducing inflammation. Although CR is considered to be very safe in recommended doses, a caveat is that a preponderance of the studies have focused upon young athletic individuals; thus there is limited knowledge regarding the effects of CR on children or the elderly. In this review, we examine the potential of CR to impact the host outside of the musculoskeletal system, specifically, the immune system, and discuss the available data demonstrating that CR can impact both innate and adaptive immune responses, together with how the effects on the immune system might be exploited to enhance human health.

scholarly journals Lead toxicity induces autophagy to protect against cell death through mTORC1 pathway in cardiofibroblasts

2015 ◽  
Vol 35 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Li Sui ◽  
Rui-Hong Zhang ◽  
Ping Zhang ◽  
Ke-Li Yun ◽  
Hong-Cai Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Death ◽  
Side Effects ◽  
Therapeutic Strategy ◽  
Lead Toxicity ◽  
Protective Role ◽  
Molecular Processes ◽  
Effective Therapeutic Strategy ◽  
Mtorc1 Pathway ◽  
Set Up

Lead is a metal with many recognized adverse health side effects, and yet the molecular processes in cardiofibroblasts underlying lead toxicity are still poorly understood. Our current findings will help to understand the role of lead-mediated toxicity in cardiofibroblasts, indicating that autophagy serves a protective role in response to ER stress, which affords to set up an effective therapeutic strategy for the numerous diseases related to lead-toxicity.

scholarly journals The Role of Microglia in the Development of Neurodegenerative Diseases

Biomedicines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (10) ◽  
pp. 1449
Author(s):  
Jae-Won Lee ◽  
Wanjoo Chun ◽  
Hee Jae Lee ◽  
Seong-Man Kim ◽  
Jae-Hong Min ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Central Nervous System ◽  
Neurodegenerative Diseases ◽  
Microglial Activation ◽  
Therapeutic Strategy ◽  
Experimental Animal Models ◽  
Effective Therapeutic Strategy ◽  
The Central Nervous System ◽  
Animal Models Of Epilepsy ◽  
Models Of Epilepsy

Microglia play an important role in the maintenance and neuroprotection of the central nervous system (CNS) by removing pathogens, damaged neurons, and plaques. Recent observations emphasize that the promotion and development of neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) are closely related to microglial activation. In this review, we summarize the contribution of microglial activation and its associated mechanisms in NDs, such as epilepsy, Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), and Huntington’s disease (HD), based on recent observations. This review also briefly introduces experimental animal models of epilepsy, AD, PD, and HD. Thus, this review provides a better understanding of microglial functions in the development of NDs, suggesting that microglial targeting could be an effective therapeutic strategy for these diseases.

scholarly journals Astrovirus Replication Is Inhibited by Nitazoxanide In Vitro and In Vivo

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Virginia Hargest ◽  
Bridgett Sharp ◽  
Brandi Livingston ◽  
Valerie Cortez ◽  
Stacey Schultz-Cherry
Keyword(s):  
Therapeutic Strategy ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Effective Concentration ◽  
Persistent Diarrhea ◽  
Fatal Disease ◽  
Human Astroviruses ◽  
Effective Therapeutic Strategy ◽  
Human Astrovirus

AbstractAstroviruses (AstV) are a leading cause of diarrhea especially in the very young, the elderly, and immunocompromised populations. Despite their significant impact on public health, no drug therapies for astrovirus have been identified. In this study we fill this gap in knowledge and demonstrate that the FDA-approved broad-spectrum anti-infective drug nitazoxanide (NTZ) blocks astrovirus replication in vitro with a 50% effective concentration (EC50) of approximately 1.47μM. It can be administered up to 8 hours post-infection and is effective against multiple human astrovirus serotypes including clinical isolates. Most importantly, NTZ reduces viral shed and clinical disease (diarrhea) in vivo, exhibiting its potential as a future clinical therapeutic.ImportanceHuman astroviruses (HAstV) are thought to cause between 2 and 9% of acute, non-bacterial diarrhea cases in children worldwide. HAstV infection can be especially problematic in immunocompromised people and infants where the virus has been associated with necrotizing enterocolitis, severe and persistent diarrhea, as well as systemic and often fatal disease. Yet no antivirals have been identified to treat astrovirus infection. Our study provides the first evidence that nitazoxanide may be an effective therapeutic strategy against astrovirus disease.

scholarly journals Immune targeted therapies for COVID-19 Infection: A Promising Outlook

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bahareh Forouzani-Haghighi ◽  
Alireza Rezvani ◽  
Afsaneh Vazin
Keyword(s):  
Immune Response ◽  
Immune System ◽  
Checkpoint Inhibitors ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
World Health ◽  
Laboratory Findings ◽  
System A ◽  
Disease Prognosis ◽  
Health Organization

In December 2019, the coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) outbreak emerged in Wuhan, China. On March 11, 2020, the WHO (World Health Organization) officially declared it a pandemic. Reports indicated that the associated mortality of the infection is quite higher in the elderly, patients with specific comorbidities (like diabetes mellitus), and generally the ones with a compromised immune system. A cohort study of 452 patients with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 in Wuhan, China, reported a dysregulated immune response in these patients. As a result of this suppressed immune response, the increase of neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), T lymphopenia, and decrease of CD4+ T cells was considered as common laboratory findings, especially in severe cases. On the other hand, there is also clear evidence of T cell exhaustion in severely ill patients. So, the immune system seems to play an important role in disease prognosis and pathogenesis. This study aims to review the evidence on the immune response dysregulation in COVID-19 infection and the potential role of immunoregulatory treatments such as immune checkpoint inhibitors, interferons, and CD200 inhibitors in altering disease prognosis, especially in critically ill patients.

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