StemCell Therapy

Last year, University neuroscientists Alban Gaultier and Dorian Rosen found that antidepressant drug Fluvoxamine may help control inflammation in the immune response system. In May, that discovery sparked a clinical trial at Washington University in St. Louis to determine if the drug could help treat COVID-19 patients, as reducing inflammation in the body has become a key way to fight the virus.

Fluvoxamine, also known as Luvox, is most commonly used to treat Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. The drug functions as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor by increasing levels of serotonin a chemical in the brain associated with feelings of well-being and happiness in the body. Since 1983, Fluvoxamine has been used by more than ten million patients around the world.

SSRIs are commonly prescribed because of their safety and tolerability, and many SSRIs, including Fluvoxamine, have been used to treat a variety of other conditions such as migraine headaches, fibromyalgia and anxiety.

In their initial experiment, Gaultier and Rosen determined that the drug reduced the production of cytokines small proteins secreted by the immune system that regulate immunity and inflammation. The drug also proved effective in reducing damage in the inflammatory response during sepsis a life threatening complication of infection in which the immune system spirals out of control and protected mice from lethal shock.

New research has found that many seriously ill coronavirus patients have a large number of cytokines in their blood. These high levels of cytokines likely result from cytokine storms, a severe immune response that releases a large number of cytokines in reaction to a disease or infection. During a cytokine storm, the body begins to attack its own cells rather than use all its resources to fight off the virus.

The information we have so far suggests that the second phase of the illness can involve a life-threatening inflammatory reaction what we call a cytokine storm, said Caline Mattar, assistant professor of medicine in the Washington University infectious diseases division, in a press release from Washington University. We want to learn whether fluvoxamine might help prevent that second phase of the illness.

The trial is being led by Mattar and Washington University psychology professor Eric J. Lenze. It is expected to test whether or not fluvoxamine can prevent cytokine storms in patients with COVID-19, which could help keep the immune system in check and help fight the virus without destroying organs, according to Gaultier.

For some patients, blocking the production of cytokine may be life saving, as the cytokine storms accelerate the breakdown of the immune system, which often results in hospitalization. High fevers, lung damage and respiratory distress symptoms currently experienced by thousands of COVID-19 patients are signs of overworked immune systems.

The trial will test Fluvoxamine in 152 patients with COVID-19 in Illinois and Missouri, as the team's physicians are only licensed to treat people in those states. The patients will either receive the drug or a placebo while quarantined at home. The hope is to target patients who are not sick enough to go to the hospital and hopefully prevent them from getting sicker and being hospitalized. The patients will administer the medication themselves, as the study has been designed to be contactless, and then will use thermometers, fingertip oxygen sensors and automatic blood pressure monitors to monitor their own condition.

Washington Universitys website offers information about who is eligible and how the trial will specifically interact with its patients virtually.

While it may sound unusual to administer a drug typically used to treat OCD as a COVID-19 treatment, Lenze believes it is in line with other alternative treatments being tested at the moment.

Using a psychiatric drug to treat COVID-19 may sound counterintuitive, but its no more counterintuitive than using a malaria drug, Lenze said in the press release.

Similar to Fluvoxamine, the malaria drugsremdesivir and hydroxychloroquine are being tested in off-label ways as COVID-19 treatments. Off-label testing of drugs by health care officials is not uncommon once a drug has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration.

Fluvoxamine received approval in 1994 when the FDA agreed that the benefits of the drug would outweigh its possible side effects like headache and nausea.

Gauliter notes the benefits that come from fluvoxamine already being FDA-approved.

The clinical trial is a smart move to push forward, and since the drug is already approved, it will be easier for people to access it, Gaultier said to The Cavalier Daily.

Even if the drug proves ineffective in fighting COVID-19, patients in the trial will still benefit from the supervision of the doctors and professional recommendations for further treatment.

Gaultier who works closely with the Washington University team believes the clinical trial is set to have its results by the end of June and hopes that fluvoxamine will improve COVID-19 outcomes.

Hopefully the clinical trial will have a positive outcome, which everybody needs, Gaultier said.

Read the original here:
University research sparks clinical trial to test antidepressant that could treat COVID-19 - University of Virginia The Cavalier Daily

You're 65 and older, considered "at-risk" for getting COVID-19, and you want to go back to work. But your employer is asking you to stay home. What do you do?

SACRAMENTO COUNTY, Calif. As the world takes steps to re-open, those who fall under the most "at-risk" category of contracting the coronavirus may be facing a dilemma.

Multiple ABC10 viewers have reached out, saying they're aged 65+ and that while they're healthy and willing to return to work in person, their employers are telling them to stay at home.

But not allowing employees who are 65 and older, which the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention deem more at risk of COVID-19, could actually be considered age discrimination.

"[Governor Gavin Newsom] came out and said, 'Listen, if you're 65-plus you should really stay at home.' I get that. It makes perfect sense and it's something that we're trying to protect the most vulnerable," said Employment Lawyer Jennifer Shaw. "The problem is from an employment law perspective, if you tell a 65-plus employee that says, 'I'm ready to work. I'm healthy. I'm fine.' That they cannot come to work because they're too old... that's called age discrimination."

As businesses and workplaces begin to reopen, Shaw said employers are facing a "catch-22" by trying to avoid liability and ensure safety by standing by federal and state enforcement like the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and their regulations ensuring employers are providing the safest possible work environment.

Yet, these employers are also trying to avoid liability from age discrimination and not allowing employees of certain ages to return to the workplace.

That's why she's encouraging employees who are experiencing age discrimination to push back by having open conversations with their employers as returning to work should be considered on a case by case basis, rather than just "check the box, you're 65+, you're not coming back."

"Sometimes the employer doesn't have the information they need so I think employees should push back," Shaw said. "If somebody is 65-plus and they want to go back to work, they should tell their employer, 'I'm fine. I'm healthy. I appreciate you looking out for me but I really want to go back to work.' Most employers hopefully are going to get that message."

But on the flip side, some employees who have compromised immune systems and also fall under the most "at-risk" category of coronavirus do not want to go back to work.

"You've got to listen to that as well as an employer," Shaw said.

That's the reality for Kyla Aquino Irving. She has had two kidney transplants, one from her mother and father, and has to take immunosuppressive medication.

This medicine protects her body from attacking her kidney as a "foreign object" but in order to do that dramatically decreases her immune system making her more susceptible to getting sick.

Contracting COVID-19 could keep her in the hospital for an incredibly long time, or could even be potentially deadly. That's why she has to take extra precautions in staying healthy and isn't comfortable returning to her workplace at United Way quite yet.

"In regards to returning to work, I dont really feel comfortable without making sure theres parameters in place, like policies in our office to wash your hands, keep social distance, wear a mask," said Irving.

Luckily, Irving said United Way is extremely understanding and gracious in keeping her safe. While she will continue to work from home, she knows others with compromised immune systems may not be able to do so.

That's why she urges them to visit the Job Accommodation Network.

"It has a great website that allows you to look up any condition, you can even put in compromised immune system and it'll show what the legal limits are for federal law and give you some guidance points for how you can tell your employer what different accommodations you could use or need to make work for you," said Irving.

While others also share the fear of returning to work, Shaw reiterates that you do need the approval of a physician to truly deem you unsafe from working in an office our work space outside the home.

Just saying Im afraid to go back to work is not enough," said Shaw. "But the employer cant make the person come back to work.

Shaw said options for employees not comfortable returning to a workplace are to file for unemployment. However, employees do not have a legal entitlement to remain off of work unless they are caring for someone who is ill related to COVID-19. This falls under new leave laws created by California during the pandemic, but leave laws aren't anything new.

"There are people who are pregnant who have a right to stay home. There are people who are taking care of a child who is ill that have a right to stay home," Shaw said. "So these new leave laws that we have had to sort of get used to because of COVID19, those layer on the other leave that other people already had and are entitled to. So the employer really has to have a brush when theyre looking at the right does this person have an entitlement to not come back to work?"

As for if you're taking care of someone with a compromised immune system, but are healthy yourself, Shaw said if a physician or healthcare provider to the individual with the compromised immune system would like the caregiver to self-isolate in order to not expose the individual with the compromised immune system, they may be entitled to time off related to COVID-19.

As for Shaw's overall message, it's one of ensuring health and safety during this time to both employees and employers.

"I really want people to think about what is best for their health. I also want employers to think about whats best for their employees," said Shaw. "Everyone is struggling, supporting the community and we do have to have a little grace we maybe have to go a little farther than we have in the past in order to try and help and accommodate and make it work."

Follow the conversation onFacebook with Andie Judson.

FOR THE LATEST CORONAVIRUS NEWS, DOWNLOAD OUR APP:

Stay In the Know! Sign up now for theDaily Blend Newsletter

Continue reading here:
Do you fall into the 'at-risk' category of COVID-19? Here are your rights before returning to work - ABC10.com KXTV

Could weed boost your immunity? Its possible. Some science suggests THC and CBD positively impact immunity.

Some claim that cannabis calms a cytokine storm, for example, preventing your immune system from overreacting against itself. Some even believe that cannabis is more effective than traditional drugs, or that its an effective medication for various illnesses.

Theres a lot of information (and misinformation) about cannabinoids and immunity. Today, were exploring what science says about cannabis and your immune system. Extensive research has already been put into cannabis and nutritional supplements, but given the gravity of the COVID-19 coronavirus health threat there is a necessary need to cover marijuana's THC and hemp's CBD and the whole cannabis plant's medicinal and therapeutic effects towards the body immune system's immunity.

While this cannabis use-related immune system guide is organized differently than the best CBD oils, drinks, gummies, and skincare rankings, there is much to be said, sorted and shown as marijuana and hemp make their way back into consumers medicine cabinets as a natural remedy and reemerging alternative. It's time to review what science says about cannabinoids and our immune system's function and whether or not cannabis can be a real immunity booster that individuals turn to based on medical research and scientific literature.

You could write a textbook on how the immune system works. Well provide a short version.

First, your immune system recognizes a foreign invader in your body. Your immune system detects a flu virus in your bloodstream, for example, and realizes it needs to take action.

In response to the foreign invader, your immune system sends white blood cells to the area to engulf the target. These white blood cells (also known as leukocytes) are the key to your immune system. Good white blood cells help your body fight foreign invaders.

There are other factors for immune response, including proteins called cytokines and lymphocytes. These compounds target specific types of invaders. White blood cells called phagocytes, for example, target invading organisms, while neutrophils help fight bacteria. These and other compounds work together to help your body fight off foreign invaders.

During this immune response, your body creates antibodies. Lymphocytes respond to the foreign invader by creating antibodies.

Antibodies can recognize foreign invaders and target them, but they cant fully destroy them without help. Thats why they join with T cells also known as killer cells to remove invaders from the body.

Some believe that cannabis boosts immunity by supporting different aspects of your immune system. Cannabis may actually help your immune system by suppressing it, preventing your immune system from overreacting against your body.

Cannabis contains natural chemicals called cannabinoids. Two of the best known cannabinoids include THC and CBD. These and other chemicals could help your body fight invaders, supporting your immune system in different ways.

The chemicals in cannabis target your endocannabinoid system, which includes CB1 receptors (mostly found in the brain) and CB2 receptors (mostly found in your peripheral nervous system or immune cells).

Science suggests theres a relationship between the endocannabinoid system and the immune system. But does that mean cannabis supports immunity? The answer is complicated.

The endocannabinoid system consists of two types of receptors, including:

CB1 Receptors: Mostly located in the brain.

CB2 Receptors: Mostly located in the peripheral nervous system or immune cells.

Immune cells have approximately 10 to 100 times more gene expression of CB2 compared to CB1. When endocannabinoids activate these receptors, they may control various immune system functions including cell signaling cascades and homeostasis of your immune system.

Science shows that endocannabinoids have a particularly noticeable effect on the lymph nodes and the gut, which have strong concentrations of immune cells.

Immune cells can even create their own cannabinoids. Yes, your body produces its own endogenous cannabinoids.

Immune cells create endogenous cannabinoids like 2-AG, which regulates your immune system.

These cannabinoids work differently from exogenous cannabinoids like THC and CBD, which come from outside the body.

Science suggests THC and CBD have immunosuppressive effects. That means they inhibit cell signaling that normally leads to pro-inflammatory immune system responses, also known as active immune responses.

Suppressing the immune system may seem like a bad thing but not necessarily. In many cases, its in your bodys best interest to suppress its immune system.

Weve established that exogenous cannabinoids (like THC and CBD) seem to suppress the immune system, changing your bodys immune response. Thats not necessarily a bad thing.

Chronic diseases like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and psoriasis occur when the immune system is overactive. Your immune system is dysregulated, and your immune responses are heightened. This creates inflammation and pain.

If you have chronic inflammation, then it could be linked to an overactive or ineffective immune system. Your body recognizes the foreign invader, and your body knows it needs to kill that foreign invader, but the compounds your body is sending to that foreign invader are not working to remove it from your body.

Over time, this ineffective immune response leads to inflammation and pain. For many, this inflammation and pain doesnt go away. Its chronic.

Thats why some suggest that THC and CBD can help. They reduce your bodys immune response, preventing it from overreacting against invaders. THC and CBD could relieve pain and discomfort caused by immune dysfunction.

CBD is prized for its ability to reduce inflammation. Science agrees, and CBD has shown some evidence of reducing inflammation when applied topically.

Inflammation sounds like a bad word, but its simply your bodys immune response. Your body sends white blood cells and other compounds to a location on your body, and this produces inflammation.

Toxins can also increase body inflammation, and inflammation seems to be a biomarker of disease. Inflammation may increase your risk of disease or illness, and many common diseases seem linked to inflammation.

This 2016 study showed that CBD applied transdermally (through your skin) significantly reduced arthritis by reducing certain cells related to the inflammatory immune response.

Researchers concluded that topical CBD application has therapeutic potential for relief of arthritis pain-related behaviors and inflammation without evidence side-effects, praising CBD gel for reducing joint swelling, improving limb posture scores, and boosting other metrics of arthritis.

CBD is prized for its ability to reduce arthritis pain, but increasing research shows other compounds in cannabis may have similar effects. Some cannabinoids suppress cytokines, for example, which appear to play a crucial role in inflammation.

Cytokines are a class of small proteins that play a crucial role in your immune system. Your body secretes cytokines, then sends cytokines to the source of infection.

That all sounds good but cytokine activity isnt always good in a problematic immune system. If your immune system is dysfunctional, then cytokines can do more harm than good.

The Spanish Flu of 1919 was unique because it killed young, healthy people with strong immune systems. Researchers found that the influenza virus triggered a cytokine storm: it forces the immune system to overreact, sending too many cytokines to the source of the infection. These cells got confused and attacked everything including crucial body functions. People with the strongest immune systems died in hours because of this cytokine storm.

Theres some evidence that COVID-19 reacts in a similar way. Some COVID-19 fatalities are linked to an overreacting immune system.

Tumor-necrosis-factor alpha (TNF-) is one type of cytokine. Overexpression of TNF- is linked with diseases like IBD and Crohns Disease. Theres also some evidence that TNF- is linked with cancers, anxiety, and depression.

We already know CBD can help with pain and inflammation related to IBD. However, certain studies have also found that CBD can lower TNF- levels in mice. This suggests that CBD could manage your bodys cytokine response, although more research is necessary.

Interleukins are another common type of cytokine. Interleukins affect your bodys immune response. Research shows interleukins are impacted by endogenous cannabinoids (produced by your body) and exogenous cannabinoids (like CBD and THC taken orally).

Some research suggests that cannabis affects interleukins, changing the way these cytokines respond. Other research, however, shows mixed results.

This 2019 study found that CBD alone did not inhibit a specific type of interleukin (IL-8), although a full spectrum version of cannabis sativa did inhibit IL-8.

Based on these results, its possible theres an entourage effect, with other cannabinoids also impacting your bodys immune response. CBD may not work on its own, but CBD combined with the other hundreds of chemicals in the cannabis plant could play a role in immune response.

As reported by Hanna Webster at Ganjapreneur, cannabis seems to target other immune system proteins, including one called NF-B. This protein is involved in immune regulation. It lays dormant in unstimulated cells, then is activated by signals coming from outside the cell.

NF-B is in charge of cell proliferation, cell survival responses, and other immune system responses. When NF-B is activated, it causes an immune response. Inhibiting this pathway can decrease chronic inflammation from excessive cell signaling.

Studies have found that cannabis sativa extract and CBD alone could impact the immune system. This 2019 study, for example, found that both cannabis sativa extract and CBD alone inhibited the NF-B pathway, mostly through TNF-, which can activate the NF-B pathway. These compounds also affected genes associated with skin inflammation, which could make the compounds valuable for conditions like psoriasis or rheumatoid arthritis.

That study also revealed another complication of the immune system: all elements of your immune system seem interconnected. When cannabis impacts one aspect of your immune system like one type of cytokine it can also indirectly impact many other parts of your immune response.

When cells die, its called apoptosis. THC has been linked to apoptosis in multiple cell types.

Cell death may sound bad but it can actually be a good thing. Apoptosis is a natural body function. It clears away damaged cells, forcing your body to make new ones. New, healthy cells may be more effective. Older, damaged cells may be more prone to disease.

Studies have shown that CBD causes apoptosis in a variety of cell types. Scientists believe this effect is linked with the activation of CB2 receptors. When CB2 receptors are blocked, it prevents natural apoptosis. By activating CB2 receptors, cannabis may facilitate your bodys natural cell death process.

THC has been used to treat tumor suppression in cancer patients, and some researchers believe this is linked to cell death. By facilitating your bodys natural cell death processes, THC could help your body fight cancer and other invaders.

Dont get too excited about these anti-cancer benefits: researchers have found that certain cells, including breast cancer cells, are not impacted by cannabinoid-induced apoptosis. More research needs to be done to understand this connection.

Could cannabis treat or prevent the COVID-19 coronavirus? Theres no evidence supporting that claim.

In fact, evidence suggests that cannabis has immuno-suppressive effects, which means it weakens the immune system. This can be helpful for certain conditions say, if you have an overactive immune system. For conditions like the cold or flu virus, however, a weakened immune system is not a good thing.

Cannabis may suppress your immune system, inhibiting certain cytokines. Cytokines are the proteins that help your immune system do its job. By inhibiting these cytokines, cannabis could make your body more susceptible to cold or flu symptoms.

Despite the lack of evidence, you can find plenty of anecdotal evidence online proclaiming that CBD has antiviral applications and that it can reduce the risk of coronavirus, among other benefits.

Some argue that suppressing the immune system prevents the infamous cytokine storm, for example, where your immune system overreacts to the virus. Theres some evidence that COVID-19 fatalities are linked to an overreacting immune system, although this effect was more prominent in the 1919 Spanish Flu than in the COVID-19 coronavirus.

Overall, theres no scientific evidence analyzing how cannabis reacts to COVID-19 or the coronavirus. However, theres some evidence showing that CBD could treat viral infections.

Theres some small evidence that CBD has antiviral benefits. Because of these small studies, some suggest using CBD to treat the COVID-19 coronavirus. Lets take a closer look at this connection.

Researchers recently published an in vitro study showing that CBD had a direct antiviral effect against the Hepatitis C virus. Researchers inserted CBD into a test tube with the Hep C virus, then found it killed the virus.

In another study, researchers found that CBD reduced neuro-inflammation (inflammation in the brain) in a virus-induced animal model of multiple sclerosis. However, researchers believed these effects werent technically antiviral: instead, they were linked to the anti-inflammatory properties of CBD.

You can also find anecdotal evidence online of people using CBD to treat viral infections, including herpes and shingles.

A group of British and Italian researchers acknowledged these anecdotal reports in this study, where they concluded that evidence was plausible on the basis of the anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of CBD. However, researchers did not suggest CBD had an intrinsic antiviral effect.

Researchers in Israel are studying whether CBD could treat graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), a potentially fatal condition with a mortality rate over 80%.

GVHD occurs when your immune system rejects an organ or bone marrow transplant. Your immune system recognizes the transplant as a foreign invader, then attacks the transplant, triggering a deadly chain reaction in the body.

Results are encouraging so far: researchers have found that CBD could suppress the bodys immune response to GVHD, which could increase the chances of a successful organ or bone marrow transplant.

Both COVID-19 fatalities and GVHD are triggered by extreme immune overresponses. However, GVHD is not triggered by a virus. Its possible CBD could suppress the immune system to prevent GVHD but have no impact on COVID-19.

What does all of this research mean about your cannabis usage and immunity?

First, it appears cannabinoids are immuno-suppressive. They suppress the immune system. Natural cannabis chemicals like THC and CBD significantly reduced cytokine expression.

Because cannabis suppresses the immune system, it could support some conditions but not others.

Weakening the immune system could help control your bodys response to inflammation and pain, for example, which could be caused by an overactive immune system. In some conditions, your immune system does more harm than good. Its overreacting, and that mean its less effective.

Suppressing the immune system isnt always a good thing, however.

Cannabis could have negative effects on conditions like HIV, for example, or any other condition where the patient has a weakened immune system. Cannabis may also be problematic for conditions where cells are not affected by cannabinoid-induced apoptosis (like the breast cancer cells mentioned above).

Theres some evidence that cannabinoids reduce inflammation. We know that CBD seems to reduce inflammation when applied trans-dermally, for example.

Theres also evidence that cannabinoids have a transient effect on the immune system, which means they help treat acute or chronic inflammation without affecting the immune systems long-term ability to defend itself. In other words, it could give your immune system a boost when needed without impairing its ability to do its job.

Overall, ordinary cannabis usage should not weaken your immune system on its own. However, if you are already sick, its possible that excessive cannabis usage could make the condition worse. Suppressing your immune system can reduce your bodys ability to fight the flu or cold virus, for example.

As more research gets released, were learning more about how cannabis affects the immune system in both positive and negative ways.

Read more:
Cannabis and Immunity: What Science Says About Cannabinoids and Immune Systems - HealthMJ

Here is a round-up of articles from Indian news publications on how the country is dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic. From Indias first recession that is not driven by agri sectors, to missing-in-action Parliament, and why a study suggests blood cancer patients usually survive Covid read these and more in todays India dispatch.

Expert Speak

This will be Indias first recession driven by non-agri sectors: Indias economy is now set to lose 10 per cent of its gross domestic product (GDP), thanks to the after-effects of Covid-19. Eight states in India contribute to more than 50 per cent of its GDP. Within these eight states, almost 42 per cent of the state GDP is driven by areas that are now considered red zones. How is it going to play out, and what is Indias overall economic prospect looking? Read this interview with D K Joshi, chief economist of the rating agency CRISIL. Read more

Opinion

Indias Parliament is missing in action: In ordinary times, Parliament would have its next session in the second half of July. In todays extraordinary circumstances, Parliament should meet sooner, perhaps within a couple of weeks. India prides itself in being the worlds largest democracy as well as the information technology provider to the world. It is imperative that Parliament harnesses the countrys IT strengths to buttress our credentials as a performing democracy. Read more here

Long Reads

Covid-19, population, and pollution a road map for the future: The impact of this pandemic is likely to be multidimensional, creating a health crisis in the first instance with spillover effects including hunger crisis, deepening of poverty, recession, and disequilibrium in the supply chain. There are two other aspects that are important for the long run, and that this pandemic has brought to our attention: pollution and population (density). Read more here

Indias poor may have lost Rs 4 trillion in the coronavirus lockdown: To avoid a livelihood crisis of severe magnitude in India, programmes by central and state governments should try to rebuild workers lost incomes through assistance in the form of cash or kind as well as through public works programmes. There is scope for launching a massive public works programme across the country which will address the problem of stagnant demand as well as of supply-side constraints. Read more here

Managing Covid-19

From treatment to medical gear, patients paying more in Covid times: The central government and courts have stepped in to regulate some prices but not others. For example, the Supreme Court set a cap of Rs 4,500 on RT-PCR testing, the Delhi High Court mandated that antibody kits be sold to the Indian Council for Medical Research at Rs 400 and the government capped the prices of hand sanitisers and surgical masks.

But several vital items were left out of price regulation; these include N95 masks, personal protective equipment (PPE), face shields, goggles, the charges for being admitted into intensive care and the overall treatment charges. Read more here

In Mumbai, Covid-19 patients are dying as they wait for ambulances and hospital beds: In public hospitals, coronavirus patients have been asked to share beds, sleep on the floor, or share wards with corpses that have been left on beds for hours because families refuse to claim them. People calling the corporations Covid-19 helpline are often told there are no beds available. The situation is no better with ambulances the states 108 helpline runs barely 100 ambulances in the city, private ambulance services are expensive and insufficient, and patients are left high and dry when they need help the most. Read more here

Karnataka increases quarantine time to 3 weeks for Maharashtra returnees: The Karnataka government has tweaked quarantine requirements for people arriving from Maharashtra, raising the isolation time from a fortnight to three weeks, an official said on Wednesday. The 21-day quarantine regimen is for all asymptomatic people returning from Maharashtra, considering most of the Covid-19 cases reported in Karnataka are having domestic travel history to that state. Read more here

Factories open in Noida, but where are the workers? After the lockdown, the government has given permission to reopen factories and industries to boost Indias economy. But, where are the factory workers? Ironically, during the third phase of lockdown, several industries were allowed to open but at the same time, the government also started special Shramik trains that saw migrant workers leave en masse. Read more here

Understanding Covid-19

If otherwise fit, blood cancer patients usually survive Covid: People with blood cancer are expected to be at higher risk of Covid-19 infection due to a weakened immune system from the cancer and the treatment they receive. Clinical researchers from Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) and Barts Health NHS Trust have now studied the outcome of Covid-19 infection in patients with blood cancer. The study found that even if patients were actively having intensive treatment for blood cancer that weakened their immune system, they usually recovered from Covid-19 as long as they were otherwise fit and well. Read more here

The human bodys immune response to the novel coronavirus: Understanding the bodys response to the SARS-CoV-2 virus is important to comprehend the underlying mechanisms of vaccines and antiviral drugs. Coronaviruses have not popped up all of a sudden. We have been living with various human and animal coronaviruses for decades. Nevertheless, this novel coronavirus is wreaking havoc owing to its rapid rate of transmission. Further investigation will unravel the complete behavioural patterns of this virus, allowing researchers to develop a potential vaccine soon. Read more here

More:
India coronavirus dispatch: The human bodys immune response to the virus - Business Standard

Maybe it's more home-cooked meals or more cleaning days in your household.

Our worlds were rocked by this pandemic. And by "worlds", I mean our collective world and our own individual worlds. It's been a rough few months and I pray that we are able to get past this quickly and get some normalcy back.

However, we may have picked up some new habits during this down time.

I'm a believer that you can establish both good and bad habits in a matter of 30 days if done with consistency. For most of the nation, our lockdown was double that time. So what habits have you formed or what kind of behavior changes have you seen since the shutdown in March?

A recent Harris Poll, done for the University of Phoenix, reveals that we are living our lives differently than we did before the pandemic hit.

One major, and obvious, change is our cleaning regimen. 70 percent of respondents say that they are scrubbing down the house more. And speaking of changes within the house, 61 percent of us are cooking at home more and 50 percent are stocking the kitchen and pantry for emergency situations.

We've also become a little more thoughtful. 29 percent of poll takers say they have stopped making impulsive decisions. I believe this is because when you act impulsively, there is usually money being spent. Since we're all pinching our pennies a little more, I'm thinking we're exercising more caution. For me, this means I'm visiting Target less often since I can't control myself in that store.

How have things changed in your household or for just you as an individual?

Excerpt from:
How Have Your Habits Changed In the Midst of This Pandemic? - k99.com

Washington, Jun 6 (PTI) Scientists have observed that a drug which is already approved to treat several blood cancers, is associated with reduced respiratory distress and a reduction in the overactive immune response in COVID-19 patients, an advance that may lead to a potential therapeutic for novel coronavirus infection.

According to the researchers, including those from the National Cancer Institute in the US, the cancer drug acalabrutinib blocked the protein Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) in COVID-19 patients, and provided clinical benefit to a small group of them.

The study, published in the journal Science Immunology, noted that the findings should not be considered clinical advice, and remain to be tested in a randomised, controlled clinical trial.

The BTK protein, according to the scientists, plays an important role in the immune system, including in macrophages which are immune cells that can cause inflammation by producing proteins known as cytokines.

These proteins, the researchers said, act as chemical messengers that help to stimulate and direct the immune response.

In some patients with severe COVID-19, the study said a large amount of cytokines are released in the body all at once, causing the immune system to damage the function of organs such as the lungs -- a process known as a "cytokine storm."

The current study involved 19 patients with a confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis that required hospitalisation, as well as with low blood-oxygen levels and evidence of inflammation.

According to the scientists, 11 of the 19 patients had been receiving supplemental oxygen for a median of two days, and eight others had been on ventilators for a median of 1.5 days.

The study noted that within one to three days after they began receiving the cancer drug, majority of patients in the supplemental oxygen group experienced a substantial drop in inflammation, and their breathing improved.

It said eight of the 11 patients were able to come off supplemental oxygen, and were discharged from the hospital.

Although the benefit of acalabrutinib was reported to be less dramatic in patients on ventilators, the scientists said four of the eight patients were able to come off the ventilator, two of whom were eventually discharged.

According to the scientists, the ventilator patient group was extremely clinically diverse and included patients who had been on a ventilator for prolonged periods of time and had major organ dysfunction.

Two of the patients in this group died, they said.

An analysis of blood samples from the patients revealed that the levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), a major cytokine associated with hyperinflammation in severe COVID-19, decreased after treatment with acalabrutinib.

The scientists said counts of lymphocytes, an immune cell type associated with worse outcome in COVID-19 patients, also rapidly improved in most patients.

When the researchers tested blood cells from patients with severe COVID-19, who were not in the study, and compared it with samples from healthy volunteers, they found that the patients with severe COVID-19 had higher activity of the BTK protein and greater production of IL-6.

Based on these findings, they suggested that acalabrutinib may have been effective since its target, BTK, is hyperactive in severe COVID-19 immune cells.

However, in a note of caution, the scientists also mentioned in the study that the most common adverse events associated with long-term acalabrutinib therapy included "low-grade headache, diarrhea, pyrexia and upper respiratory tract infections."

They said the safety profile of acalabrutinib in patients with severe COVID-19 needs to be confirmed in a prospective clinical trial.

"Further correlative studies will be needed to understand the basis for response or resistance to BTK inhibition in patients with such advanced disease," the scientists wrote in the study. PTI VISVIS

Disclaimer :- This story has not been edited by Outlook staff and is auto-generated from news agency feeds. Source: PTI

Excerpt from:
Drug used to treat cancer might help reduce COVID-19 severity in patients: Study - Outlook India

The role of the immune system a collection of structures and processes within the body is to protect against disease or other potentially damaging foreign bodies. When functioning properly, the immune system identifies a variety of threats, including viruses, bacteria and parasites, and distinguishes them from the body's own healthy tissue, according to Merck Manuals.

The immune system can be broadly sorted into categories: innate immunity and adaptive immunity.

Innate immunity is the immune system you're born with, and mainly consists of barriers on and in the body that keep foreign threats out, according to the National Library of Medicine (NLM). Components of innate immunity include skin, stomach acid, enzymes found in tears and skin oils, mucus and the cough reflex. There are also chemical components of innate immunity, including substances called interferon and interleukin-1.

Innate immunity is non-specific, meaning it doesn't protect against any specific threats.

Adaptive, or acquired, immunity targets specific threats to the body, according to the NLM. Adaptive immunity is more complex than innate immunity, according to The Biology Project at The University of Arizona. In adaptive immunity, the threat must be processed and recognized by the body, and then the immune system creates antibodies specifically designed to the threat. After the threat is neutralized, the adaptive immune system "remembers" it, which makes future responses to the same germ more efficient.

Lymph nodes:Small, bean-shaped structures that produce and store cells that fight infection and disease and are part of the lymphatic system which consists of bone marrow, spleen, thymus and lymph nodes, according to "A Practical Guide To Clinical Medicine" from theUniversity of California San Diego(UCSD). Lymph nodes also contain lymph, the clear fluid that carries those cells to different parts of the body. When the body is fighting infection, lymph nodes can become enlarged and feel sore.

Spleen:The largest lymphatic organ in the body, which is on your left side, under your ribs and above your stomach, contains white blood cells that fight infection or disease. According to theNational Institutes of Health(NIH), the spleen also helps control the amount of blood in the body and disposes of old or damaged blood cells.

Bone marrow:The yellow tissue in the center of the bones produces white blood cells. This spongy tissue inside some bones, such as the hip and thigh bones, contains immature cells, called stem cells, according to the NIH. Stem cells, especiallyembryonic stem cells, which are derived from eggs fertilized in vitro (outside of the body), are prized for their flexibility in being able to morph into any human cell.

Lymphocytes:These small white blood cells play a large role in defending the body against disease, according to theMayo Clinic. The two types of lymphocytes are B-cells, which make antibodies that attack bacteria and toxins, and T-cells, which help destroy infected or cancerous cells. Killer T-cells are a subgroup of T-cells that kill cells that are infected with viruses and other pathogens or are otherwise damaged. Helper T-cells help determine which immune responses the body makes to a particular pathogen.

Thymus:This small organ is where T-cells mature. This often-overlooked part of the immune system, which is situated beneath the breastbone (and is shaped like a thyme leaf, hence the name), can trigger or maintain the production of antibodies that can result in muscle weakness, the Mayo Clinic said. Interestingly, the thymus is somewhat large in infants, grows until puberty, then starts to slowly shrink and become replaced by fat with age, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.

Leukocytes:These disease-fighting white blood cells identify and eliminate pathogens and are the second arm of the innate immune system. A high white blood cell count is referred to as leukocytosis, according to the Mayo Clinic. The innate leukocytes include phagocytes (macrophages, neutrophils and dendritic cells), mast cells, eosinophils and basophils.

If immune system-related diseases are defined very broadly, then allergic diseases such as allergic rhinitis, asthma and eczema are very common. However, these actually represent a hyper-response to external allergens, according to Dr. Matthew Lau, chief, department of allergy and immunology atKaiser Permanente Hawaii. Asthma and allergies also involve the immune system. A normally harmless material, such as grass pollen, food particles, mold or pet dander, is mistaken for a severe threat and attacked.

Other dysregulation of the immune system includes autoimmune diseases such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.

"Finally, some less common disease related to deficient immune system conditions are antibody deficiencies and cell mediated conditions that may show up congenitally," Lau told Live Science.

Disorders of the immune system can result in autoimmune diseases, inflammatory diseases and cancer, according to the NIH.

Immunodeficiency occurs when the immune system is not as strong as normal, resulting in recurring and life-threatening infections, according to theUniversity of Rochester Medical Center. In humans, immunodeficiency can either be the result of a genetic disease such as severe combined immunodeficiency, acquired conditions such as HIV/AIDS, or through the use of immunosuppressive medication.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, autoimmunity results from a hyperactive immune system attacking normal tissues as if they were foreign bodies, according to the University of Rochester Medical Center. Common autoimmune diseases include Hashimoto's thyroiditis, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes mellitus type 1 and systemic lupus erythematosus. Another disease considered to be an autoimmune disorder is myasthenia gravis (pronounced my-us-THEE-nee-uh GRAY-vis).

Even though symptoms of immune diseases vary, fever and fatigue are common signs that the immune system is not functioning properly, the Mayo Clinic noted.

Most of the time, immune deficiencies are diagnosed with blood tests that either measure the level of immune elements or their functional activity, Lau said.

Allergic conditions may be evaluated using either blood tests or allergy skin testing to identify what allergens trigger symptoms.

In overactive or autoimmune conditions, medications that reduce the immune response, such as corticosteroids or other immune suppressive agents, can be very helpful.

"In some immune deficiency conditions, the treatment may be replacement of missing or deficiency elements," Lau said. "This may be infusions of antibodies to fight infections."

Treatment may also include monoclonal antibodies, Lau said. A monoclonal antibody is a type of protein made in a lab that can bind to substances in the body. They can be used to regulate parts of the immune response that are causing inflammation, Lau said. According to the National Cancer Institute, monoclonal antibodies are being used to treat cancer. They can carry drugs, toxins or radioactive substances directly to cancer cells.

1718: Lady Mary Wortley Montagu, the wife of the British ambassador to Constantinople, observed the positive effects of variolation the deliberate infection with the smallpox disease on the native population and had the technique performed on her own children.

1796: Edward Jenner was the first to demonstrate the smallpox vaccine.

1840: Jakob Henle put forth the first modern proposal of the germ theory of disease.

1857-1870: The role of microbes in fermentation was confirmed by Louis Pasteur.

1880-1881: The theory that bacterial virulence could be used as vaccines was developed. Pasteur put this theory into practice by experimenting with chicken cholera and anthrax vaccines. On May 5, 1881, Pasteur vaccinated 24 sheep, one goat, and six cows with five drops of live attenuated anthrax bacillus.

1885: Joseph Meister, 9 years old, was injected with the attenuated rabies vaccine by Pasteur after being bitten by a rabid dog. He is the first known human to survive rabies.

1886: American microbiologist Theobold Smith demonstrated that heat-killed cultures of chicken cholera bacillus were effective in protecting against cholera.

1903: Maurice Arthus described the localizing allergic reaction that is now known as the Arthus response.

1949: John Enders, Thomas Weller and Frederick Robbins experimented with the growth of polio virus in tissue culture, neutralization with immune sera, and demonstration of attenuation of neurovirulence with repetitive passage.

1951: Vaccine against yellow fever was developed.

1983: HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) was discovered by French virologist Luc Montagnier.

1986: Hepatitis B vaccine was produced by genetic engineering.

2005: Ian Frazer developed the human papillomavirus vaccine.

Additional resources:

This article is for informational purposes only and is not meant to offer medical advice. This article was updated Oct. 17, 2018 by Live Science Health Editor, Sarah Miller.

Original post:
Immune System: Diseases, Disorders & Function | Live Science

What is the immune system?

The immune system protects your child's body from outside invaders, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, andtoxins (chemicals produced by microbes). It is made up of different organs, cells, and proteins that work together.

There are two main parts of the immune system:

The innate immune system, which you are born with.

The adaptive immune system, which you develop when your body is exposed to microbes or chemicals released by microbes.

These two immune systems work together.

This is your child's rapid response system. It patrols your childs body and is the first to respond when it finds an invader. The innate immune system is inherited and is active from the moment your child is born. When this system recognizes an invader, it goes into action immediately. The cells of this immune system surround and engulf the invader. The invader is killed inside the immune system cells. These cells are called phagocytes.

The acquired immune system, with help from the innate system, produces cells (antibodies) to protect your body from a specific invader. These antibodies are developed by cells called B lymphocytes after the body has been exposed to the invader. The antibodies stay in your child's body.It can take several days for antibodies to develop. But after the first exposure, the immune system will recognize the invader and defend against it. The acquired immune system changes throughout your child's life. Immunizationstrain your child's immune system to make antibodies to protect him or her from harmful diseases.

The cells of both parts of the immune system are made in various organs of the body, including:

Adenoids. Two glands located at the back of the nasal passage.

Bone marrow. The soft, spongy tissue found in bone cavities.

Lymph nodes. Small organs shaped like beans, which are located throughout the body and connect via the lymphatic vessels.

Lymphatic vessels. A network of channels throughout the body that carries lymphocytes to the lymphoid organs and bloodstream.

Peyer's patches. Lymphoid tissue in the small intestine.

Spleen. A fist-sized organ located in the abdominal cavity.

Thymus. Two lobes that join in front of the trachea behind the breastbone.

Tonsils. Two oval masses in the back of the throat.

Antibiotics can be used to help your child's immune system fight infections by bacteria. However, antibiotics dont work for infections caused by viruses. Antibiotics were developed to kill or disable specific bacteria. That means that an antibiotic that works for a skin infection may not work to cure diarrhea caused by bacteria. Using antibiotics for viral infections or using the wrong antibiotic to treat a bacterial infection can help bacteria become resistant to the antibiotic so it won't work as well in the future.It is important that antibiotics are taken as prescribed and for the right amount of time.If antibiotics are stopped early, the bacteria may develop a resistance to the antibiotics and the infection may come back again.

Note: Most colds and acute bronchitis infections will not respond to antibiotics.You can help decrease the spread of more aggressive bacteria by not asking your childs healthcare provider for antibiotics in these cases.

Here is the original post:
The Immune System | Johns Hopkins Medicine

While most people focus, as they should, on social distancing, face coverings, hand washing and even self-isolation to protect against the deadly coronavirus now ravaging the country, too few are paying serious attention to two other factors critically important to the risk of developing a Covid-19 infection and its potential severity.

Those factors are immunity, which should be boosted, and inflammation, which should be suppressed. Ive touched on both in past columns, but now that months of pandemic-related restrictions have impacted the lives of millions, and after seeing who is most likely to become infected and die, immunity and inflammation warrant further discussion and public attention.

One fact is indisputable: Older people are especially vulnerable to this disease and its potentially fatal consequences. But older doesnt necessarily mean old. While people over 80 are 184 times more likely to die from Covid-19 than those in their 20s, Dr. Nir Barzilai, scientific director of the American Federation for Aging Research, points out that vulnerability increases starting around age 55.

Immune defenses decline with age. That is a fundamental fact of biology. For example, with advancing age, natural killer cells, a major immunological weapon, become less effective at destroying virus-infected cells. But it doesnt mean nothing can be done to slow or sometimes even reverse immunological decline, said Dr. Barzilai, who directs the Institute for Aging Research at Albert Einstein College of Medicine.

At the same time, inflammation in tissues throughout the body increases with age, a fact that helps the coronavirus get into the body, bind to molecules in the nose and lungs, and wreak havoc, Janet Lord, director of the Institute of Inflammation and Ageing at the University of Birmingham in England, explained in a webinar this month.

Fat tissue, for example, increases inflammation and renders overweight people more vulnerable to a Covid infection.

Here, too, there are established ways to diminish inflammation and thereby enhance resistance to this deadly disease. The basic weapons, diet and exercise, are available to far more people than currently avail themselves of their benefits. Lifestyle can have a major impact on a persons immune system, for better or worse, Dr. Lord said.

I spoke recently to a friend who escaped New York City in early March to avoid Covid-19. But while he reduced his risk of infection by limiting contact with other people, he has gained weight, lost muscle mass and, in becoming nearly sedentary, is also now more likely to become seriously ill if he should contract the virus.

Skeletal muscle helps the immune system, Dr. Lord said. The contractions of skeletal muscles produce small proteins called myokines that, by dampening inflammation, have big health benefits. Myokines ferret out infections and keep inflammation from getting out of hand, she said. Also, exercising skeletal muscle helps diminish body fat and increases the potency of natural killer cells no matter what your age. An 85-year-old who increases muscle mass is better able to recover from Covid, she said.

The more extensive or vigorous the exercise, the less inflammation, Dr. Lord said. She noted that those who do fewer than 3,000 steps a day have the highest level of inflammation, whereas those who do 10,000 or more steps daily have the least inflammation. But social isolation doesnt have to make you a couch potato.

You dont need any special equipment, she said, so the inability to go to a gym or even outside need not be an impediment to getting in those 10,000 steps. She suggested exercises like heel raises, leg raises and sit-to-stand exercises. You could even use two of those cans of beans you stocked up on to strengthen arm muscles. Or consider going up and down stairs, or even one step, which has the added benefit of strengthening heart function. For other ideas, see Gretchen Reynoldss column published in The Times on April 22.

Exercise is especially important for people with chronic health conditions that increase their vulnerability to a serious Covid infection. No matter what your condition, exercise will improve your immunity, Dr. Lord said.

Regular exercise can also improve your sleep, which can suppress inflammation and keep your immune system from having to work overtime. Aim for seven to eight hours of sleep a night. If virus-related anxieties keep you awake, try tai chi, meditation or progressive muscle relaxation (from feet to head) to reduce stress and calm your mind and body. Avoid eating a big meal late in the day or consuming caffeine after noon. Perhaps eat a banana or drink a glass of warm milk about an hour before bedtime.

Which brings me to what for many is the biggest health challenge during the coronavirus crisis: consuming a varied, nutrient-rich diet and keeping calorie intake under control. It seems baking has become a popular pastime for many sheltering at home, and the consequences weight gain and overconsumption of sugar and refined flour can increase susceptibility to the virus. Excess weight weakens the immune system, and abdominal fat in particular enhances damaging inflammation.

The good news, according to Dr. Leonard Calabrese, clinical immunologist at the Cleveland Clinic, is that even small amounts of weight loss can counter inflammation, a benefit aided by avoiding highly processed foods and eating more fresh fruits and vegetables that are relatively low in calories and high in protective nutrients.

Especially helpful are foods rich in vitamin C all manner of citrus (oranges, grapefruit, clementines, etc.), red bell pepper, spinach, papaya and broccoli and zinc, including shellfish (oysters are a powerhouse of zinc), seeds, dairy products, red meat, beans, lentils and nuts.

For those who drink alcohol, these stressful times can tempt overconsumption. More than the recommended two drinks a day for men and one for women can reduce immunity-boosting nutrients in the body and impair the ability of white blood cells to fight off microbial invaders, Dr. Calabrese notes. For those who drink, a five-ounce serving of red wine a day is widely considered a beneficial component of an anti-inflammatory Mediterranean-style diet.

Reports linking a deficiency of vitamin D to an increased risk of developing a severe Covid-19 infection have prompted some people to take measures that may ultimately undermine their health, like basking unprotected in the sun, which can lead to skin cancer, and taking excessive amounts of a vitamin D supplement, which can cause distressing gastrointestinal symptoms.

Healthy blood levels of vitamin D can, though, help keep the bodys immune system strong and possibly help prevent it from raging out of control, causing the cytokine storm that can severely damage the lungs and other tissues and has resulted in many Covid-19 deaths. But for those with already healthy levels of vitamin D, theres no established immune benefit from taking more than 2,000 IU of vitamin D-3 a day.

Here is the original post:
To Fight Covid-19, Dont Neglect Immunity and Inflammation - The New York Times

As the highly contagious coronavirus continues to run its course, the question on everyones mind is how to stay infection-free. There are the Centers for Disease Control basics, but eating well (or not) makes a difference, too. A healthy diet wont prevent the coronavirus, but it can help strengthen your immune system and a less healthy diet can undermine it.

Your immune system is like an army with very sophisticated weapons in the form of cells and other compounds. For this army to function optimally, it needs a steady stream of supplies, which you get through your diet.

The best diet for your immune system is a minimally-processed, mostly plant-based diet one that's about 75% plant foods. Keep in mind that youre also better off getting the nutrients you need from your plate rather than a pill bottle, though select supplements may be useful in some cases, such as to ensure you get the necessary amount of vitamin D, a nutrient thats only found in a limited number of foods.

Heres how to eat to support your immune system.

Various building blocks for your immune systems machinery come from fruits and vegetables. Some of the key immune-strengthening nutrients in these foods include vitamin C, beta carotene (the precursor to vitamin A) and certain B vitamins, like folate. Many fruits and veggies also supply polyphenols, antioxidants that get broken down into food and contribute to healthy gut bacteria. These compounds, which are also found in other plant foods (like extra virgin olive oil, whole grains, pulses, tea and coffee) help your beneficial bacteria flourish. They also help optimize your gut environment, which is where up to 80% of your immune cells are located.

Polyphenols work their immune-enhancing benefits in other ways too. For example, they calibrate pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. In severe cases of COVID-19, the pro-inflammatory cytokines take over and may be responsible for causing death in some instances.

Trending stories,celebrity news and all the best of TODAY.

Fruits and vegetables are some of the best foods for the immune system. When choosing fruits and veggies, seek out a variety of options. Go for fresh, frozen, dried and canned fruits and veggies of all colors. Dont forget that juices like 100% OJ, pomegranate juice and vegetable juice can also help you reach your fruit and veggie goals, which for most people is a minimum of two cups of fruit and two and half cups of veggies each day.

Whole grains (including oats, quinoa, brown rice and whole wheat) do their part by supplying nutrients like folate, magnesium, selenium and iron to your immune system. A study published in BMJ Gut suggests that whole grains can help regulate inflammation, which contributes to the development of a multitude of diseases, including type 2 diabetes. The same study showed that eating whole grains instead of refined grains led to weight loss among overweight people. The authors suggested this swap may be a helpful strategy for reaching a healthier weight. Since we know that COVID-19 produces more serious illness among those with type 2 diabetes and those who are severely obese (with a BMI over 40), swapping refined pasta, bread, crackers, cereal and rice for a whole grain version is an easy and smart upgrade.

All types of nuts and seeds (plus their butters), avocados and olives (and their oils) and oily fish (such as salmon and sardines) help regulate your bodys inflammatory process. Depending on the specific food, it may also supply key nutrients (such as selenium, vitamin E, zinc, iron or magnesium) that are involved in optimal immune cell functioning. Use these foods to help punch up your meal. For example, saute veggies in extra virgin olive oil and top with some chopped nuts or hemp seeds.

Pulses, which include beans, legumes and dried peas, are whole food and shelf-stable forms of plant-based proteins that supply immune-optimizing nutrients, including fiber, magnesium and iron. Whether youre actively trying to cut back on meat or just trying to stretch your meat (and food budget) further, these foods will help. Other whole food forms of plant-based protein include tofu and edamame.

If youre new to these foods, try serving them in familiar ways. For example, make a black bean quesadilla, toss shelled edamame into a favorite stir-fry, or use hummus (a chickpea puree) as a sandwich spread. Though theres nothing wrong with the convenience of fake meat products (like the Beyond Burger), these foods are heavily processed, so its generally better to choose whole-food forms of plant-based proteins instead.

The US Dietary Guidelines recommend eating seafood twice a week and this advice can help your immune health too. Seafood supplies anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids and other nutrients, including magnesium and zinc, that help support your immune system. Plus, when you replace red meat, which is high in pro-inflammatory saturated fats, with seafood you can help keep chronic inflammation in check.

Yogurt, sauerkraut, kombucha and kimchi are examples of fermented foods that supply beneficial bacteria to your gut. According to one review, supplementing with probiotics, such as the ones found in fermented foods, helped prevent upper respiratory infections and shaved about two days off of the recovery period among the people who did get sick compared with those who took a placebo (a fake treatment).

To keep your immune system strong, its also a good idea to limit these foods, which all play a role in weakening your defenses.

Whether from desserts, sugary drinks or sneakier sources like plant-based milks, whole grain cereals or yogurts, a high-sugar diet may tamp down your immune response.

Too much alcohol can weaken your immune system. It has also been linked with a higher chance of respiratory infections. Stick to a drink (for women) or two (for men) a day.

The majority of sodium in your diet comes from these foods and research suggests that excess salt might undermine your immune systems ability to cope with an invader. Heavily processed foods are also made with refined grains, which alter your metabolic response and can ultimately leave you more susceptible to serious infections. Some major culprits include fast food meals, pizza and chips.

Read more:
The best immune system foods and the worst - TODAY - TODAY

Many autoimmune diseases are treated with immunosuppressive drugs to rein in an immune system that has turned on the bodys own tissues. Problem is, that approach doesnt just tamp down the immune response in affected tissuesit affects immune cells throughout the body. Enter Q32 Bio, which is working on a new generation of treatments for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.

The company is coming out of the shadows with a $46 million series A round and a mission to restore balance to the immune response rather than wiping out disease-driving pathways or immune cells. It hopes to have two programs in the clinic by the third quarter next year.

Fundamentally, we aim to restore homeostasis to adaptive and innate immunity. Were getting the immune response back in check rather than ablating pathways or cell types, Q32 CEO Michael Broxson told FierceBiotech.

ASCO Explained: Expert predictions and takeaways from the world's biggest cancer meeting

Join FiercePharma for our ASCO pre- and post-show webinar series. We'll bring together a panel of experts to preview what to watch for at ASCO. Cancer experts will highlight closely watched data sets to be unveiled at the virtual meeting--and discuss how they could change prescribing patterns. Following the meeting, well do a post-show wrap up to break down the biggest data that came out over the weekend, as well as the implications they could have for prescribers, patients and drugmakers.

RELATED: Celsius bags $65M to develop precision drugs for cancer, autoimmune disease

Its lead program, ADX-914, is an antibody licensed from Bristol Myers Squibb that targets the IL-7 receptor, a cytokine involved in T-cell maturation. Blocking that receptor could tune down the activity of T cells that kill the bodys own cells as well as those that stimulate B cells to make antibodies against the bodys own tissues. The company plans to start a phase 1 study later this year.

As Q32 learns more about the drug, it will mull over disease areas it wants to test in phase 2.

You can imagine because of the biology there are lots of places where we might go, such as T cell-driven diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease, Broxson said. Theres a set of diseases on the B cell side, like myasthenia gravis, and diseases where T and B cell pathology are involved, like Sjgren's.

RELATED: Apellis climbs as its drug beats Alexion's Soliris in phase 3

Following behind is ADX-097, slated to enter the clinic in 2021. Its a fusion protein that targets the complement system, part of the innate immune response that serves as the bodys first line of defense against invading pathogens. In autoimmune conditions, the complement system can become overactivated and target healthy tissues. There are multiple complement inhibitors in development and on the market, including Alexions Soliris. They are important therapeutic interventions, Broxson said, but all of them work systemically.

We think our approach is the next generation of therapeutics in that we only inhibit complement activity in tissue where it is aberrant, otherwise preserving surveillance systemically, he said.

Q32s fusion proteins bind to a target expressed in diseased tissue as well as to enzymes called convertases, which provide the gas to the entire complement system,Q32 co-founder and Chief Scientific OfficerShelia Violette said. It does the latter through a fragment of whats called a negative regulator protein, which are supposed to keep convertases in checkbut dont work properly in autoimmune conditions.

Were hijacking a system in diseased tissues to bring back negative regulator proteins and make them active again where you need them, Violette said.

Continue reading here:
Q32 debuts with $46M to 'rebalance' innate and adaptive immunity - FierceBiotech

We know that the bodys immune system is important for keeping everything in check and protecting us. But a lot of us dont realise that the brain also has an immune system.

Microglia, which are the brains immune system cells, are involved in everything from brain development to protecting against diseases such as meningitis and Alzheimers. But for all the good these cells do for us, under the wrong conditions they can also cause us harm.

Microglia belong to a group of non-neuronal cells called glia, which originally were thought to play a supportive role for the brains neurons. Now research shows that microglia actually do much more than only support the neurons: they nourish, protect and sometimes even destroy them.

These cells are unique because they come from the same place as other immune system cells, but have a different origin from other brain cells, which develop from neural stem cells. Microglia come from the yolk sac an extra embryonic membrane and travel to the brain early during its development.

Once established, microglia perform numerous functions. They help neurons connect, clean the brain of waste and dead or injured cells, constantly check everything is in order, and defend the brain from external threats (such as microbes), and internal threats including misfolded proteins (when a protein takes on the wrong form, which can cause disease). Their ability to change physical form and behaviour in response to their environment allows them to perform these many roles.

Microglial functions are especially crucial during brain development, when they help young neurons grow, and ensure the right connections are made between neurons. Through a procedure called pruning, microglia eat connections between neurons, maintaining strong ones while eliminating weaker or unnecessary ones. This continues somewhat during adulthood. For example, microglia remove unimportant memories by eating or altering synapses involved in their maintenance.

Faulty pruning during brain development has been linked with disorders such as schizophrenia and autism. But uncontrollable pruning by microglia in adulthood has been implicated in developing diseases such as Alzheimers.

Microglia have specific receptors on their surface which recognise distress signals from other cells. These signals attract microglia to the site of the problem. When the brains balance is disturbed (usually as a result of inflammation), living neurons can become stressed and produce these signals. This may cause them to be eaten alive by microglia. As neurons are killed, the connections they have with other neurons are also eliminated, which can cause severe issues in brain connectivity and functions.

Inflammation in the brain can be caused by stress, pathogens, and auto-immune conditions, and is also connected to inflammation in other parts of the body. Brain inflammation is common in neurodegenerative diseases, as well as mental health disorders, including depression.

Inflammation causes microglia to change roles, and turn into their aggressive form to defend the brain. Usually, when stress signals stop and anti-inflammatory signals are received, microglia go back to first repairing, then protecting the brain.

But there are cases, such as with chronic stress, ageing and neurodegenerative disorders, where microglia can become more aggressive and less easy to regulate, making them more dangerous for the brain. In these cases, microglia can increase in numbers, unnecessarily kill nearby cells, and may contribute to making the brain even more inflamed by secreting inflammatory molecules. They also dont go back to their protective role easily.

But there are many things we can do to keep our microglia happy and our brains healthy such as:

Maintain a healthy diet: Compounds found in fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats, can keep your microglia young, and shift them towards an anti-inflammatory form.

Keep your gut bacteria happy: The brain and the gut are connected by the vagus nerve, so microbes living in our gut have a large effect on the brain. These microorganisms are involved in the development, maintenance, and overall health of microglia.

Avoid alcohol and smoking: Alcohol causes brain damage. A recent study found that one of the ways it does so is by activating the microglias inflammatory response. Research shows this activation is also induced by a specific compound found in cigarette smoke.

Sleep: Microglia never sleep, but they clean and repair the brain and improve memory while you do. Lack of sleep, however, has also been shown to make microglia take on their inflammatory form.

Take care of your mental health: Microglia can sense stress, and they respond to it by turning into their inflammatory form. This form is present in numerous neuropsychiatric disorders, and also in some cases mental health issues (such as depression) that precede neurodegenerative disorders.

It has also been shown that anti-inflammatory treatment can help with managing the symptoms of psychiatric disorders, and that some medications used for the treatment of mental health issues have an anti-inflammatory element. Antidepressants have also been shown to directly regulate microglia responses.

Exercise: A recent review found exercise directly affects microglia, and shifts them towards having a protective form. Exercising the brain has also been shown to train microglia to resist Alzheimers disease.

Although we know some things about microglia, we dont know everything. We know some things about how they form, that theyre involved in many diseases, and that they might essentially control the brain. But we also know we cant control them. Future research might focus on how we can stop microglia from causing diseases, and how to stop these cells from turning against the brain.

View post:
Microglia: the brains 'immune cells' protect against diseases but they can also cause them - The Conversation UK

COVID-19 has put the world on its back foot since its arrival in December 2019. And though we will survive, it will be at a high cost. As of May 21, there have been nearly 5 million reported cases worldwide and 327,000 deaths. The U.S. economy has come to a near halt, as well restaurants and bars have shuttered which has kept us from our social lives.

Whats more, Dr. Anthony Fauci, the leading expert in infectious disease, says that the second wave of COVID-19 is inevitable, and that its expected to hit this fall or winter. The good news is that exercise can boost your immune system by helping it more quickly locate and deal with harmful pathogens. And as we age, regular exercise will keep our immune system strong and efficient.

A 2019 review in the Journal of Sport and Health Science found that moderate exercise can boost your immune systems defense activity and metabolic health. Science Daily reported on a recent analysis that was published in the journal Exercise Immunology Review. By keeping your immune system healthy, you increase your chances of warding off viruses COVID-19 and others and exercise remains one of the most effective (and science-backed) ways to do so. Plus, youll feel better and have more energy!

The Department of Health and Human Services suggests a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise per week. They dont specify types of activity, so we list three forms of exercise and outline the additional benefits of doing them for you to try.

Give them a try: youll be stronger in more ways than one for it.

strength training is a method of exercise that includes moves meant to improve your bodys strength and stamina. Heres a quick primer on how muscles get bigger and stronger.

If youve never performed, say, a pushup before and then do one rep, youre introducing a new stressor to your working muscles in this case, your chest, arms, and shoulders. As a result, the muscle tissues experience micro-tears, and the will body repairs them, to adapt, and they become both bigger and stronger as a result. That said, you dont need lots of weight to elicit a change. If youre new to strength training even the easiest variations of exercises will stimulate a response, and as you get stronger, you can increase the weight, reps, sets, or reduce your rest time to keep progressing.

As for what the science says, strength training has been proven to increase muscle mass in adults (which translates to more calories burned at rest) and less fat mass. Beyond a better body, studies also link strength training to improved coordination, better cognitive function, higher bone density, and reduced back pain in inactive adults. Ipso facto: youll look and feel better.

Try this routine:

Not ready to try strength training? Take a walk. Being inside and glued to our screens is not good for us we dont need research to tell us that, although it does. Though social distancing regulations are in place, you can go outside, which is what you should be doing because it lowers depression. A 2015 study from Stanford University linked 90-minute bouts of walking outdoors to decreased activity in the part of the brain thats associated with depression. The more difficult terrain of trail hiking increases your workout intensity and you get to see more of nature.

Also known as HIIT, high-intensity interval training has you perform an exercise hard as you can, for a set time (usually anywhere from 20 to 60 seconds) and then resting for the same amount of time. Compared to slow-and-steady exercise, youll jack your heart rate up far higher, far faster. Its very strenuous, but the bonus is that a HIIT session typically lasts for about 15-20 minutes.

If its been a while since you exercised regularly, skip HIIT to start and build up your base level of fitness with light strength training and walking. It is intense. Its that intensity, though, that garners an afterburn effect, where your body continues to use calories for hours after your workout, about 6 to 15% of your total calories burned from the initial session. Another study shows that a 30-second all-out sprint on a bike produced a 450% increase in human growth hormone production, which repairs brain and muscle tissues, boosts metabolism, and aids in fat loss.

Try this HIIT Workout:

Visit link:
The 3 Best Types of Exercise to Boost Your Immune System - MedShadow

Text Size:A- A+

The killer is not the virus but the immune response.

The current pandemic is unique not just because it is caused by a new virus that puts everyone at risk, but also because the range of innate immune responses is diverse and unpredictable. In some it is strong enough to kill. In others it is relatively mild.

My research relates to innate immunity. Innate immunity is a persons inborn defense against pathogens that instruct the bodys adaptive immune system to produce antibodies against viruses. Those antibody responses can be later used for developing vaccination approaches. Working in the lab of Nobel laureate Bruce Beutler, I co-authored the paper that explained how the cells that make up the bodys innate immune system recognize pathogens, and how overreacting to them in general could be detrimental to the host. This is especially true in the COVID-19 patients who are overreacting to the virus.

Also read: All the Covid-19 symptoms you didnt know about

I study inflammatory response and cell death, which are two principal components of the innate response. White blood cells called macrophages use a set of sensors to recognize the pathogen and produce proteins called cytokines, which trigger inflammation and recruit other cells of the innate immune system for help. In addition, macrophages instruct the adaptive immune system to learn about the pathogen and ultimately produce antibodies.

To survive within the host, successful pathogens silence the inflammatory response. They do this by blocking the ability of macrophages to release cytokines and alert the rest of the immune system. To counteract the viruss silencing, infected cells commit suicide, or cell death. Although detrimental at the cellular level, cell death is beneficial at the level of the organism because it stops proliferation of the pathogen.

For example, the pathogen that caused the bubonic plague, which killed half of the human population in Europe between 1347 and 1351, was able to disable, or silence, peoples white blood cells and proliferate in them, ultimately causing the death of the individual. However, in rodents the infection played out differently. Just the infected macrophages of rodents died, thus limiting proliferation of the pathogen in the rodents bodies which enabled them to survive.

The silent response to plague is strikingly different from the violent response to SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. This suggests that keeping the right balance of innate response is crucial for the survival of COVID-19 patients.

Also read: If I had Covid-19 am I immune? This is what scientists know so far

Heres how an overreaction from the immune system can endanger a person fighting off an infection.

Some of the proteins that trigger inflammation, named chemokines, alert other immune cells like neutrophils, which are professional microbe eaters to convene at the site of infections where they can arrive first and digest the pathogen.

Others cytokines such as interleukin 1b, interleukin 6 and tumor necrosis factor guide neutrophils from the blood vessels to the infected tissue. These cytokines can increase heartbeat, elevate body temperature, trigger blood clots that trap the pathogen and stimulate the neurons in the brain to modulate body temperature, fever, weight loss and other physiological responses that have evolved to kill the virus.

When the production of these same cytokines is uncontrolled, immunologists describe the situation as a cytokine storm. During a cytokine storm, the blood vessels widen further (vasolidation), leading to low blood pressure and widespread blood vessel injury. The storm triggers a flood of white blood cells to enter the lungs, which in turn summon more immune cells that target and kill virus-infected cells. The result of this battle is a stew of fluid and dead cells, and subsequent organ failure.

The cytokine storm is a centerpiece of the COVID-19 pathology with devastating consequences for the host.

When the cells fail to terminate the inflammatory response, production of the cytokines make macrophages hyperactive. The hyperactivated macrophages destroy the stem cells in the bone marrow, which leads to anemia. Heightened interleukin 1b results in fever and organ failure. The excessive tumor necrosis factor causes massive death of the cells lining the blood vessels, which become clotted. At some point, the storm becomes unstoppable and irreversible.

One strategy behind the treatments for COVID is, in part, based in part on breaking the vicious cycle of the cytokine storm. This can be done by using antibodies to block the primary mediators of the storm, like IL6, or its receptor, which is present on all cells of the body.

Inhibition of tumor necrosis factor can be achieved with FDA-approved antibody drugs like Remicade or Humira or with a soluble receptor such as Enbrel (originally developed by Bruce Beutler) which binds to tumor necrosis factor and prevents it from triggering inflammation. The global market for tumor necrosis factor inhibitors is US$22 billion.

Drugs that block various cytokines are now in clinical trials to test whether they are effective for stopping the deadly spiral in COVID-19.

Alexander (Sasha) Poltorak, Professor of Immunology, Tufts University

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Also read: Covid vaccine research in India at nascent stage, breakthrough unlikely this year: Experts

ThePrint is now on Telegram. For the best reports & opinion on politics, governance and more, subscribe to ThePrint on Telegram.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel.

View original post here:
Coronavirus isnt the killer, our immune response is - ThePrint

Inflammation is the bodys response to some type of abnormality or infection. The reason your lymph-nodes become swollen when you are sick is because white blood cells are congregating in large numbers to prepare to engulf the foreign target. It is our bodys built-in way to fight off invaders. There are many players at work in these battles proteins called cytokines, lymphocytes, and other cell types with scary names all working together to target and destroy pathogens.

The endocannabinoid system comprises two types of receptors; CB1 receptors are mainly located in the brain while CB2 receptors are found primarily in the peripheral nervous system on immune cells. There is approximately 10-100 times more gene expression of CB2 in immune cells as compared to CB1. Endocannabinoids that activate these receptors are said to control various immune system functions like cell signaling cascades and homeostasis of the immune system, specifically in places like the lymph-nodes and the gut. Immune cells are even able to produce endogenous cannabinoids like 2-AG which acts as a regulator in this system. As for exogenous cannabinoids like THC and CBD, they generally seem to have immunosuppressive effectsthey inhibit cell signaling that normally leads to pro-inflammatory or otherwise active immune responses.

Chronic diseases like Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and psoriasis arise when the immune system becomes dysregulated and our immune responses become heightened. This leads to inflammation and pain which, over time, can become frustrating and downright uncomfortable. For individuals who struggle with chronic inflammation, this inhibitory response caused by cannabinoids like THC and CBD may actually be helpful in alleviating some of this pain and discomfort.

CBDs ability to decrease inflammation is perhaps its most popularly touted benefit. This statement has been backed by science; a 2016 study found that CBD applied transdermally to rats significantly reduced arthritis by diminishing certain cells related to the inflammatory immune response. But how exactly does CBD and other cannabinoids reduce inflammation in the body, and how do they interact with our immune systems?

One way that cannabinoids reduce inflammation in the body is through the suppression of cytokines. Cytokines are a class of small proteins that modulate immunity through cell signaling. When secreted, they trigger a cascade of signals, recruiting more cytokines to the source. This is an important part of how inflammation occurs.

Tumor-necrosis-factor alpha (TNF-) is one type of cytokine. Overexpression of TNF- has been implicated in Crohns Disease and IBD, as well as some cancers and even anxiety and depression (though the latter is controversial and still being studied). Interestingly, we also know CBD can help with pain and inflammation related to IBD. Specifically, CBD in some instances has been seen to directly decrease TNF- in mice.

Interleukins are another main type of cytokine involved in the immune response and are often modulated by both endogenous and exogenous cannabinoids. A 2019 study found that CBD alone did not inhibit a certain type of interleukin (IL-8) but a whole plant extract of cannabis sativa did, suggesting that other cannabinoids are at work interacting with immune regulation. This finding provides more evidence for the entourage effect, the idea that the various cannabinoids in a whole plant extract or cannabis flower interact with each other to create different effects than what a single cannabinoid could do on its own.

NF-B is a protein involved in immune regulation. It lays dormant (inhibited) in unstimulated cells and is activated by signals coming from outside the cell. It is responsible for cell proliferation, cell survival responses, and other immune responses. When activated, NF-B causes an inflammatory response. Thus, inhibiting this pathway can decrease chronic inflammation that occurs from excessive cell signaling.

A 2019 study found that both cannabis sativa extract and CBD alone inhibited the NF-B pathway, mainly through TNF- (TNF- can activate the NF-B pathway). The cannabis extract also downregulated some genes associated with skin inflammation through this pathway which could be beneficial for conditions like psoriasis or rheumatoid arthritis. Many of these components within the immune system are interconnected and work together to cause overall changes in the body.

The last common way that cannabinoids decrease inflammation is by inducing cell death (this is called apoptosis). THC specifically has been known to cause apoptosis in a variety of cell types. This may sound scary, but apoptosis exists mainly to clear out damaged or harmful cells and to prevent clutter. Scientists found that THC causes cell death through the activation of CB2 receptors. By chemically blocking CB2 receptors, apoptosis was also blocked, confirming the role of the CB2 receptor in this process.

What does this mean? We know THC has been used to treat tumor suppression in cancer patients, which would make sense if it causes cell death. However, researchers have found that some cells, like breast cancer cells, are immune to cannabinoid-induced apoptosis. There is still a lot we are finding out about these molecules role in the immune system.

The short answer to this question is cannabinoids are immuno-suppressive. Because THC and CBD significantly reduce cytokine expression, there are potential negative effects of using cannabinoids to treat more serious conditions like HIV if a patient already has a weakened immune system (or in the case of cancer cells that do not respond to cannabinoid-induced apoptosis). The long answer is its complicated. Some say cannabinoids effect on immune function is transient, such that it allows conditions like acute or chronic inflammation to be treated without harming the overall ability of the immune system to do its job when needed. We also know how useful CBD can be for treating chronic inflammation, especially for skin conditions because it decreases inflammatory responses.

As far as your recreational use goes, consuming cannabis most likely will not weaken your immune system on its own. However, for similar reasons why you wouldnt go out for a night on the town if you were feeling under the weather, listen to your body and what you feel it needs during this time. Scientists worldwide are continuing to tackle these big questions so that one day we can all appreciate even more knowledge of how cannabis affects our bodies and minds.

Authored By:

Hanna has a BS in behavioral neuroscience and creative writing. She currently works in a cannabis neuropharmacology lab at Western Washington University and is pursuing science writing with Ganjapreneur to help better inform the public about current cannabis research.

Go here to see the original:
Cannabinoids and The Immune System - Ganjapreneur

The lens of the eye is an unusual organ. Unlike most of the bodys organs, blood vessels dont reach the lens. If they did, theyd obscure our vision and we wouldnt be able to see. The lack of vasculature led scientists to believe immune cells, which travel via the bloodstream, couldnt get to this part of the body either. But a few years ago, Jefferson researchers challenged this long held assumption by demonstrating that immune cells populate the lens in response to degeneration. Now the Jefferson team finds the eye also launches an immune response in the lens after injury. The discovery adds to a growing body of evidence that is working to overturn the accepted dogma of the field.Why would we evolve a tissue that is so central to our being able to see without ways to ensure its protection, its ability to repair itself? says, Sue Menko, PhD, Professor in the Department of Pathology, Anatomy and Cell Biology at Thomas Jefferson University, who led the research. "Immune cells are central to that protection and repair.

The lens of the eye works like a camera lens. Its main purpose is to focus images coming in through the cornea the transparent front layer of the eye onto the retina at the back of the eye. The images are detected by the retina and then translated in the brain as what we see. That lens must be crystal clear. As a result, scientists have always described the lens as a tissue without vasculature and therefore no source of immune cells either.

At some point, you think about it and you wonder how thats possible, Dr. Menko says. It doesnt really make a lot of sense.

The puzzle led Dr. Menko and her team to investigate whether immune cells are present in the eye. In a previous study, they discovered that when the lens is in a diseased state, immune cells are not only recruited there, but they also show up in the cornea, retina, and vitreous body all parts of the eye that dont normally have immune cells. Dr. Menkos work suggested that the immune cells come from the ciliary body, a sort of muscle that helps squeeze and pull the lens, changing its shape, and helping it focus.

The ciliary body is also a place that is vascular rich so it seemed like the most obvious place to look, Dr. Menko says.

Now, in the latest work, Dr. Menko and colleagues show that after injury to the cornea, immune cells travel from the ciliary body to the lens along fibers known as ciliary zonules. The researchers used fluorescent markers and high-powered microscopes to observe structures of mouse eyes one day after receiving a scratch on the cornea. The high-tech imaging analysis Dr. Menkos team used revealed that following injury to the cornea, the immune system launches a response to protect the lens. Immune cells are recruited to the lens via the ciliary zonules, and crawl along the surface of the lens to surveille and protect from adverse impacts of the corneal wound.

This is really the first demonstration that surveillance by immune cells of the lens in response to injury somewhere else in the eye, Dr. Menko says.

The researchers also found that some immune cells were able to cross the lens capsule, a membranous structure that helps to keep the lens under tension. The results could point to a role for immune cells in cataract formation.

Together, the findings indicate that in response to damage or disease, the eye utilizes alternative mechanisms rather than direct contact with the bloodstream like non-transparent tissues do to ensure that immune cells get to sites to provide healing and protection.

Were excited to go from thinking this doesnt make sense to proving that the body is amazing and can adapt to anything. You just have to go in and look for it, Dr. Menko says.

We should be willing to challenge dogma because that's where discovery is, she adds. It can enlighten what we know if we always keep our mind open to what doesnt make sense and what maybe should be challenged to understand things better.ReferenceDeDreu et al. (2020). An immune response to the avascular lens following wounding of the cornea involves ciliary zonule fibrils. The FASEB Journal. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1096/fj.202000289R

This article has been republished from the following materials. Note: material may have been edited for length and content. For further information, please contact the cited source.

Read this article:
Immune Protection of Lens in Eye Injury Challenges Idea of Immune Isolation - Technology Networks

A blood test could show if a person will become seriously ill with coronavirus, with clinical trials set to begin on a treatment scientists hope could combat the effects of the illness.

A new study suggests the test could help track a person's immune response to COVID-19, allowing doctors to identify at an early stage who might need additional treatment or critical care.

It found people who suffered the most severe form of the illness had a problem with a specific type of T-cell that clears the body of virus-infected cells.

:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker

Those involved in the research say clinical trials will now take place to establish the effectiveness of a drug called recombinant IL-7 (interleukin 7), which can increase a person's number of T-cells, and in turn boost their immune response.

Scientists at the Francis Crick Institute, King's College London and Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust identified what they call the immunological signature of the disease, based on preliminary analysis of 60 coronavirus patients at St Thomas' Hospital.

Project lead Adrian Hayday, who heads the Crick's Immunosurveillance Laboratory and is professor of immunobiology at King's College London, said: "The changes we've observed in the blood are not subtle and patients with these features seem more likely to experience severe disease, requiring intensive management."

The researchers hope such a blood test could be more broadly applied in hospitals to seek early indications of patient condition, and to effectively help prioritise treatments.

They say their findings on how COVID-19 affects the body could also help inform studies looking to develop effective treatments and vaccines.

As part of the ongoing study, called COVID-IP, patients at Guy's and St Thomas' who have agreed to donate to an infectious disease biobank provide regular blood samples during their treatment for the virus.

The samples are processed in secure containment at Guy's Hospital before immune cells are analysed in the team's laboratories at King's College London and at the Crick.

Read the original post:
Coronavirus: Blood test could show how the immune system responds to COVID-19, researchers say - Sky News

Spend a bit of time online right now, and you can find everyone from unlicensed supplement promoters to naturopaths and even some physicians advertising immunity "boosts" to help protect against COVID-19.

Because there areno proven treatments or prevention measures for the novel coronavirus, many of these pills, injections and other services clearly cross a line into false advertising. Chiropractors, for example, have been forbidden from advertising any effect on immunity, and Health Canada has investigated more than 140 products that illegally claim to treat or prevent COVID-19.

Other times, it's a bit less black and white. Some businesses plainly state there's no evidence their products will help fight the novel coronavirus, but hint those same products could help build a strong immune defence against illness in general.

In an attempt to make sense of all this, CBC spoke with Bob Hancock, a microbiologist at the University of British Columbiawho studies infectious diseases and the immune system.

"Immune boosting is not necessarily a bad thing, but it is absolutely not a way of protecting you against COVID-19 full stop," Hancock said.

"You are not going to get better or protect yourself from the virus or really get any major benefit from the immune boosters to treat COVID-19."

Hancock explained some of the science in an interview last week.

As Hancock explains it, the idea of boosting your immunity is a bit of a marketing ploy dreamed up by the "health food guys," but that doesn't mean there's no truth in it. He says there is a strong body of scientific evidence suggesting that some substances can help a bit.

"They serve to raise your level of immunity, but they don't really serve to prevent infections," Hancock says.

That's because these nutrients can play a role in what's known as the innate or non-specific immune system the body's first line of defence against microscopic invaders.

It's a type of immunity humans share with everything from garden snails to house plants, and it includes physical barriers like the skin as well as defensive responses like mucous, bile and inflammation, all of which might help to limit the spread of pathogens through the body.

"That part of immunity doesn't work very well when people have nutritional deficiencies," Hancock said.

But innate immunity doesn't play a role in fighting off specific viruses and bacteria once they've taken hold.

Vitamins, including A and C, and minerals like zinc and magnesium are often marketed for helpingimmunity, and according to Hancock, "in most of those cases there is a very, very good body of evidence that suggests that they're beneficial."

Hancock says he takes a multivitamin every day. He's also taken the herb echinacea in an attempt to prevent coldand flu, but acknowledges the evidenceis a bit mixed.

"There actually was a controlled clinical trial on echinacea, and the first [trial] showed it worked and the second one showed it didn't work at all. So you can take whichever set of evidence you like," Hancock said.

"When you're dealing with these kinds of immune boosters, people don't work on evidence, they work on good stories."

He says anyone who's thinking about trying a product marketed as an immune booster should choose their sources of information carefully. He prefers physicians, "who are not perfect," but do know how to evaluate evidence, and scientific publications.

And if you're looking to get in a vitamin boost, Hancock says to forget the expensive injections and intravenous infusions, and opt for the supplement aisle at your local drug store.

An immune boosting vitamin is no replacement for a vaccine they're not even in the same ballpark when it comes to preventing serious illness, says Hancock.

While so-called "boosters" might play a role in the innate immune system, vaccines work by stimulating the much more specific adaptive immune system, which is unique to vertebrate animals.

Vaccines normally work by injectingweakened or deadforms of a virus or bacterium, prompting the body to create antibodies.

"You will be defended against a future infection because the type of immunity you're raising is very, very specific it's exquisitely specific for the particular agent you're worried about," Hancock said.

But as Hancock points out, most successful vaccines also contain immune-boosting elements called adjuvants things like aluminum salts that help trigger a stronger response against the target, without actually providing any immune protection on their own.

"In a sense, this is the ultimate proof of this immune boosting concept, the fact that adjuvants exist and they work very well," Hancock said.

Here is the original post:
What does it mean to 'boost' your immunity and can that help with the coronavirus? - CBC.ca

This drink is loaded with numerous health benefits. You can have it daily in the morning on an empty stomach to keep viral and bacteria diseases at bay.

Apple Cider Vinger: Apple cider vinegar (ACV) prohibits the growth of bad pathogens in the body. It has antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. ACV is also good for the growth of healthy gut bacteria, which is necessary for a healthy immune system.

Turmeric: Loaded with antioxidant properties, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, turmeric is a natural healer. When mixed with apple cider vinegar, the two work well in protecting the body from harmful germs and bacteria.

Ginger: Ginger is packed with antimicrobial, antibiotic, and anti-inflammatory properties. It contains compounds that increase the number of white blood cells in the body, which helps to destroy foreign bacteria and virus.

Honey: The enzymes present in honey keep your digestive system healthy and boost immunity. It also has powerful antioxidants, which are effective in removing free radicals from the body

Read more:
Drink this tonic the first thing in the morning to boost your immunity - Times of India

After several weeks of isolation, do you know how strong your immune system is?

As businesses reopen in phases and people start to congregate in public again, medical experts worry about how the typical Americans immune system will cope.

Its a tricky question, said Bernadette Judge, a San Diego-based registered nurse. It all depends on your overall health, before and during quarantine.

Renew Houston: Get the latest wellness news delivered to your inbox

If you were at home, eating fairly healthy and exercising, your immunity should be the same, Judge said. Its all about diet, exercise, sleep and people being more aware of things they can do to keep their immunity up.

Immune systems arent only important when were sick, she added. Their condition affects how our bodily processes function, like regulating blood pressure or cholesterol levels.

Judge, a consultant for Nupeutics Health, has listed five ways to naturally boost our immune systems as we transition back into the world after coronavirus-induced lockdown measures.

It was clear when COVID-19 began spreading in the U.S. that many people didnt know proper hand hygiene, Judge said.

Two months later, shes noticing that many people dont know how to properly put on a face mask or gloves if theyre wearing any personal protection equipment at all.

The skin on our hands is a great barrier and contains healthy bacteria that helps fight off viruses, which is why a good soap-and-water regimen is one of the strongest lines of defense, she said.

Wash your hands frequently, especially after using the restrooms or touching commonly-used items such as door handles or shopping carts.

Eight or more hours of sleep every night is more than a recommendation its the foundation of a strong immune system.

Dr. Rizwana Sultana, assistant professor of sleep medicine at the University of Texas Medical Branch, said sleep is important because it helps with T-cell function and production. T-cells, also called lymphocytes, protect the body from pathogens and cancer cells.

Simply put, T-cells will protect us from getting sick if we come into contact with COVID-19, Sultana said. And if we sleep better, we will boost their production.

If youre sleep-deprived, there are more chances for you to get the flu, a cold or COVID-19, she said. People are using more stimulants in the form of electronics; light is a cue for our bodies to stay awake or asleep, so if youre exposed to light at nighttime, you will be more awake at night.

Feeling Matters: The road to balance is not clear cut

With more people working from home than ever before, Sultana said our bodys natural circadian rhythm is off-balance. A lack of routine is disrupting our sleep schedules, she said.

Rather than going to bed at a reasonable time and waking up to start the day, many people are staying up late and remaining in bed for longer than normal. People are also taking more naps out of boredom, not necessarily sleepiness or fatigue.

Choose a bedtime that will provide you with at least eight hours of restful sleep, she said. And dim your bedside lamps once the sun goes down.

Sultana recommends turning off the TV and any electronics, including your cellphone, a full hour before you plan to be asleep. When light enters our eye, it tells our brain that its not time to sleep yet, she added.

Take that hour to do your nightly routine: brush your teeth, perform your skincare routines, read a book or do meditative breathing.

Stress and alcohol work in tandem to create inflammation, which negatively affects our immune system, Judge said.

Its crazy how much people are drinking because it will kill your immune system, she said. But people who are afraid to go outside with the possibility of coronavirus out there, they feel that its OK to get a buzz each night.

Drinking too much alcohol does more than throw off our immune systems; it affects our sleep and gastrointestinal tract which can put our bodies in fatigue mode, she said. When were tired, we up our intake of stimulants, like caffeine, which sets off a new chain reaction of negative events in the body.

For light and moderate drinkers, it is smart to select one day a week to drink an alcoholic beverage. And try to keep it to one glass, said Amy Jo Palmquest, a dietitian and personal trainer from Washington state.

Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Drink alcohol, soda and other sugary beverages (including juices) in moderation.

Stress on its own wreaks havoc. When combined with fear and anxiety, both of which are common feelings during a global pandemic, the body creates hormones that promote inflammation, affecting our immune systems cells.

When stressed under normal circumstances, the body releases cortisol, Judge said. With chronic stress, the body gets used to the cortisol and doesnt know how to function outside of that state.

Stress will start to break down all our bodily systems, which is why a bacteria and virus can go in and cause major infections. Judge said our bodies are too busy fixing other ailments from the stress breakdown to fully acknowledge a new infection.

Nutrition: Can Ramadan fasting improve your health?

Chronic stress can also cause an increased heart rate and blood pressure.

Judge recommends reducing mental and emotional stress by exercising, clearly communicating your needs and talking through challenges with people you trust.

Trust your body to tell you when something is wrong and reach out to a health care professional, she said. Its better to be safe than sorry, but do your due diligence. Nothing is small.

Lastly, a well-balanced diet will work wonders, Judge said.

A well-balanced meal according to the USDAs MyPlate guidelines is 50 percent vegetables, 25 percent starches like vegetables, potatoes or bread, and 25 percent protein.

As for caffeine, a woman who weighs 180 pounds or less should not have more than 250 mg of caffeine in a 24-hour period. This is equivalent to three 8-ounce cups of coffee. For a man who weighs 200 pounds or more, the limit should be 300-350 mg of caffeine or four cups of coffee.

The cups should be spread during the day: early morning, late morning and early afternoon. Its important to not drink caffeine too late in the afternoon.

Less caffeine consumption will lead you to have more restful sleep, which aids in a stronger immune system.

julie.garcia@chron.com

Twitter.com/reporterjulie

Go here to see the original:
Before you go back out in public, read the immunity checklist - Houston Chronicle