Feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of yoga to improve maternal mental health and immune function during the COVID-19 crisis (Yoga-M2 trial): a pilot randomized controlled trial.

Introduction: Women are vulnerable during pregnancy as they experience multiple physical and psychological problems which can lead to stress and poor quality of life ultimately affecting the development of the fetus and their health during and after pregnancy. Prior evidence suggests that prenatal yoga can improve maternal health and well-being and can have a beneficial effect on immune system functioning. To date, no study has been conducted in a rural, low-resource setting in India to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of a yoga-based intervention on perceived stress, quality of life, pro-inflammatory biomarkers, and symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections. Methods: To address this gap and assess whether a yoga-based intervention could improve maternal mental health and immunity during the COVID-19 crisis (Yoga-M2 trial), a single-blind individual randomized parallel group-controlled pilot trial with a 1:1 allocation ratio was implemented. We randomly allocated 51 adult pregnant women, with gestational age between 12-24 weeks in the Yoga-M2 arm (n = 25) or the enhanced usual care arm (EUC) (n = 26). Feasibility and acceptability were assessed using the process data and In-Depth Interviews (IDIs) with the trial participants and yoga instructors. Multiple linear regression was used to compare follow-up scores for quantitative outcomes. Results: A three-month follow-up assessment was completed for 48 out of 51 participants (94.12%). We did not find any statistically significant difference between both arms in total Perceived Stress Scale scores, quality of life (Eq-5D-5L index), and serum C Reactive Protein levels at the three-month follow-up assessment. The critical barriers to practicing yoga were lack of knowledge about the benefits of yoga, lack of 'felt need' to practice yoga, lack of time to practice, lack of space, lack of transport, and lack of peer group to practice yoga. Despite this, women who regularly practiced yoga described the benefits and factors which motivated them to practice regularly. Discussion: The learnings from this trial will help design the explanatory trial in the future and the study findings can also be used by the primary health care system to deliver yoga-based interventions in the newly created health and wellness centers. Trial registration: This trial was prospectively registered with the Clinical Trials Registry of India on 25 January 2022. https://www.ctri.nic.in/Clinicaltrials/showallp.php?mid1=65173&EncHid=&userName=CTRI/2022/01/039701. Trial registration number: CTRI/2022/01/039701.

Evaluation Effectiveness of in Vitro Cultivation of Bezoar on Mouse Model Combining Disease with Syndrome of Coronavirus Pneumonia with Yidu Xifei Syndrome.

Objective:To determine the therapeutic effect of in vitro cultivation of bezoar on a mouse model adding disease with syndrome of coronavirus pneumonia with Yidu Xifei syndrome. Method: BALB/c mice were randomly divided into six groups according to their weight grade:normal group,HCoV-229E infection group,cold and damp group,a mouse model combining disease with syndrome of coronavirus pneumonia with Yidu Xifei syndrome,and high and low dose group of in vitro cultivation of bezoar. The combination model of human coronavirus pneumonia with Yidu Xifei syndrome mice was established by the method of cold dampness condition stimulation+coronavirus HCoV-229E infection. In vitro cultivation of bezoar (0.128,0.064 g.kg-1 )was administrated by gavage for 3 days from the day of infection. The observation indexes included:general state observation of mice,inhibition rate of lung index and lung index of mice. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction(Real-time PCR)was used to detect the viral load in the lung tissues of mice. Serum levels of motilin(MTL),gastrin(GAS),and cytokines interleukin(IL)-10,IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha(TNF-alpha)and interferon-gamma(IFN-gamma)in lung tissue of mice were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). The percentages of CD4+ T lymphocytes,CD8+ T lymphocytes and B lymphocytes in the blood of mice were determined by flow cytometry. Result:The high and low dose group of in vitro cultivation of bezoar can significantly improve the general condition of model mice. Compared with blank group, model group mice lung index increased significantly(P<0.01), nucleic acids significantly increased expression of lung tissue in mice(P<0.01),significantly higher serum MTL content in mice,GAS content significantly decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01),lung tissue cells in the immune factor TNF-alpha,IL-10 and IL-6 were significantly increased(P<0.01),peripheral blood lymphocyte CD4+ T cells in mice,The percentages of CD8+ T cells and B cells were significantly decreased(P<0.01). Compared with model group, in vitro cultivation bezoar mice lung index of high and low dose group were significantly lower(P<0.01),the lung tissue of mice express nucleic acid decreased significantly(P<0.01),MTL content decreased significantly(P< 0.01),the lung tissue of mice in the IL-6,IL-10,the TNF-alpha,IFN-gamma levels were significantly lower(P<0.01), in vitro cultivation bezoar high dose group can significantly increase the CD4+ T cell percentage(P<0.05),in vitro cultivation bezoar can to a certain extent reduce model mice lung inflammatory exudation,pulmonary interstitial edema,as well as blood stasis symptoms. Conclusion:In vitro cultivation of bezoar has a significant therapeutic effect on a mice model adding disease with syndrome of coronavirus pneumonia with Yidu Xifei syndrome. It can be treated by reducing the lung index of the model mice,improving the pathological damage of the lung tissue,adjusting the immune effective and inhibiting the clearing of inflammatory factors,and to provide a laboratory basis for clinical medication.Copyright © 2021, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences Institute of Chinese Materia Medica. All rights reserved.

Rural Embodiment and Community Health: an Anthropological Case Study on Biocultural Determinants of Tropical Disease Infection and Immune System Development in the USA.

Purpose of Review: Biocultural methods are critically important for identifying environmental and socioeconomic factors linked with tropical disease risk and outcomes. For example, embodiment theory refers to the process by which lived experiences impact individual biology. Increased exposure to pathogens, chronic psychosocial stress, and unequal resource access are all outcomes linked with discrimination and poverty. Through lived experiences, race and socioeconomic inequality can literally become embodied-get under the skin and affect physiology-impacting immune responses and contributing to lifelong health disparities. Yet, few studies have investigated tropical disease patterns and associated immune function using embodiment theory to understand lasting physiological impacts associated with living in a high-pathogen environment. Recent Findings: Here, we use preliminary data drawn from the Rural Embodiment and Community Health (REACH) study to assess whether pathogen exposure and immune stimulation within a sample of children from the Mississippi Delta are associated with household income. We also test whether immune marker levels-assessed with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays using dried blood spot samples-vary between the REACH sample and a similarly aged nationally representative NHANES sample. Immune marker levels did not differ significantly between REACH participants living below vs. above the federal poverty line, yet immunoglobulin E levels-a marker of macroparasite infection-were higher among REACH study participants compared to the NHANES sample. Summary: These results may suggest community-level pathogenic exposures (i.e., parasitic infections) are embodied by REACH participants with implications for long-term immune function, potentially resulting in immune aspects that differ from nationally representative samples. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40475-023-00282-z.

Evaluation Effectiveness of in Vitro Cultivation of Bezoar on Mouse Model Combining Disease with Syndrome of Coronavirus Pneumonia with Yidu Xifei Syndrome.

Objective:To determine the therapeutic effect of in vitro cultivation of bezoar on a mouse model adding disease with syndrome of coronavirus pneumonia with Yidu Xifei syndrome. Method: BALB/c mice were randomly divided into six groups according to their weight grade:normal group,HCoV-229E infection group,cold and damp group,a mouse model combining disease with syndrome of coronavirus pneumonia with Yidu Xifei syndrome,and high and low dose group of in vitro cultivation of bezoar. The combination model of human coronavirus pneumonia with Yidu Xifei syndrome mice was established by the method of cold dampness condition stimulation+coronavirus HCoV-229E infection. In vitro cultivation of bezoar (0.128,0.064 g.kg-1 )was administrated by gavage for 3 days from the day of infection. The observation indexes included:general state observation of mice,inhibition rate of lung index and lung index of mice. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction(Real-time PCR)was used to detect the viral load in the lung tissues of mice. Serum levels of motilin(MTL),gastrin(GAS),and cytokines interleukin(IL)-10,IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha(TNF-alpha)and interferon-gamma(IFN-gamma)in lung tissue of mice were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). The percentages of CD4+ T lymphocytes,CD8+ T lymphocytes and B lymphocytes in the blood of mice were determined by flow cytometry. Result:The high and low dose group of in vitro cultivation of bezoar can significantly improve the general condition of model mice. Compared with blank group, model group mice lung index increased significantly(P<0.01), nucleic acids significantly increased expression of lung tissue in mice(P<0.01),significantly higher serum MTL content in mice,GAS content significantly decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01),lung tissue cells in the immune factor TNF-alpha,IL-10 and IL-6 were significantly increased(P<0.01),peripheral blood lymphocyte CD4+ T cells in mice,The percentages of CD8+ T cells and B cells were significantly decreased(P<0.01). Compared with model group, in vitro cultivation bezoar mice lung index of high and low dose group were significantly lower(P<0.01),the lung tissue of mice express nucleic acid decreased significantly(P<0.01),MTL content decreased significantly(P< 0.01),the lung tissue of mice in the IL-6,IL-10,the TNF-alpha,IFN-gamma levels were significantly lower(P<0.01), in vitro cultivation bezoar high dose group can significantly increase the CD4+ T cell percentage(P<0.05),in vitro cultivation bezoar can to a certain extent reduce model mice lung inflammatory exudation,pulmonary interstitial edema,as well as blood stasis symptoms. Conclusion:In vitro cultivation of bezoar has a significant therapeutic effect on a mice model adding disease with syndrome of coronavirus pneumonia with Yidu Xifei syndrome. It can be treated by reducing the lung index of the model mice,improving the pathological damage of the lung tissue,adjusting the immune effective and inhibiting the clearing of inflammatory factors,and to provide a laboratory basis for clinical medication.Copyright © 2021, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences Institute of Chinese Materia Medica. All rights reserved.

Multiomic characterisation of the long-term sequelae of SARS survivors: a clinical observational study.

Background: We aimed to characterise the long-term health outcomes of survivors of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and determine their recovery status and possible immunological basis. Methods: We performed a clinical observational study on 14 health workers who survived SARS coronavirus infection between Apr 20, 2003 and Jun 6, 2003 in Haihe Hospital (Tianjin, China). Eighteen years after discharge, SARS survivors were interviewed using questionnaires on symptoms and quality of life, and received physical examination, laboratory tests, pulmonary function tests, arterial blood gas analysis, and chest imaging. Plasma samples were collected for metabolomic, proteomic, and single-cell transcriptomic analyses. The health outcomes were compared 18 and 12 years after discharge. Control individuals were also health workers from the same hospital but did not infect with SARS coronavirus. Findings: Fatigue was the most common symptom in SARS survivors 18 years after discharge, with osteoporosis and necrosis of the femoral head being the main sequelae. The respiratory function and hip function scores of the SARS survivors were significantly lower than those of the controls. Physical and social functioning at 18 years was improved compared to that after 12 years but still worse than the controls. Emotional and mental health were fully recovered. Lung lesions on CT scans remained consistent at 18 years, especially in the right upper lobe and left lower lobe lesions. Plasma multiomics analysis indicated an abnormal metabolism of amino acids and lipids, promoted host defense immune responses to bacteria and external stimuli, B-cell activation, and enhanced cytotoxicity of CD8+ T cells but impaired antigen presentation capacity of CD4+ T cells. Interpretation: Although health outcomes continued to improve, our study suggested that SARS survivors still suffered from physical fatigue, osteoporosis, and necrosis of the femoral head 18 years after discharge, possibly related to plasma metabolic disorders and immunological alterations. Funding: This study was funded by the Tianjin Haihe Hospital Science and Technology Fund (HHYY-202012) and Tianjin Key Medical Discipline (Specialty) Construction Project (TJYXZDXK-063B, TJYXZDXK-067C).

Potential Benefit of Vitamin D Supplementation in COVID-19.

Vitamin D is an important nutrient in the body that plays a vital role in immune system function. Several epidemiologic studies have shown that low vitamin D levels are found in a large percentage of COVID-19 patients with acute respiratory failure and that vitamin D levels may predict mortality in COVID-19 infection. Based on these findings, vitamin D supplementation may be an effective approach to preventing and/or treating COVID-19. Potential underlying mechanisms and clinical trial data evaluating the impact of supplementation in humans are described below.

Effects of dietary intake behavior, food supply, nutrition, and health during the COVID-19 outbreak

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, which began in 2019, has far-reaching ramifications, including economic losses and health challenges that still affect various parts of the world. During our review, we learned that the entire world is working to stop the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak. We explore ways that may lower the danger of SARS-CoV-2 contamination and useful strategies to avoid the possibility of SARS-CoV-2 spreading through food. While hygienic protocols are required in the food supply sector, cleaning, disinfection, and the avoidance of cross-contamination across food categories and other related goods at different stages of the manufacturing process remain especially important because the virus can survive for long periods of time on inert materials such as food packaging. Furthermore, personal hygiene (regular washing and disinfection), wearing gloves and using masks, garments, and footwear dedicated to maintaining hygiene provide on-site safety for food sector personnel, supply chain intermediaries, and consumers. Restrictions imposed in response to the pandemic (e.g., closure of physical workplaces, canteens, cafes, restaurants, schools, and childcare institutions), changes in household grocery shopping frequency, individuals' perceived risk of COVID-19, income losses due to the pandemic, and sociodemographic factors are among the factors. The conclusions drawn from this study consider the implications of healthy diets, food system resilience, behavior change, and nutritional imbalance for policymakers and food supply chain participants, as well as the antimicrobial effects of vitamins and nutrients. During a public health crisis, people should eat less, necessitating preventive policies and nutritional advice to deal with this.

Frailty impacts immune responses to Moderna COVID-19 mRNA vaccine in older adults.

BACKGROUND: Immune responses to COVID-19 mRNA vaccines have not been well characterized in frail older adults. We postulated that frailty is associated with impaired antibody and cellular mRNA vaccine responses. METHODS: We followed older adults in a retirement facility with longitudinal clinical and serological samples from the first Moderna mRNA-1273 vaccine dose starting in February 2021 through their 3rd (booster) vaccine dose. Outcomes were antibody titers, antibody avidity, and AIM+ T cell function and phenotype. Statistical analysis used linear regression with clustered error for antibody titers over multiple timepoints with clinical predictors including, age, sex, prior infection status, and clinical frailty scale (CFS) score. T cell function analysis used linear regression models with clinical predictors and cellular memory phenotype variables. RESULTS: Participants (n = 15) had median age of 90 years and mild, moderate, or severe frailty scores (n = 3, 7, or 5 respectively). Over the study time course, anti-spike antibody titers were 10-fold higher in individuals with lower frailty status (p = 0.001 and p = 0.005, unadjusted and adjusted for prior COVID-19 infection). Following the booster, titers to spike protein improved regardless of COVID-19 infection or degree of frailty (p = 0.82 and p = 0.29, respectively). Antibody avidity significantly declined over 6 months in all participants following 2 vaccine doses (p < 0.001), which was further impaired with higher frailty (p = 0.001). Notably, avidity increased to peak levels after the booster (p < 0.001). Overall antibody response was inversely correlated with a phenotype of immune-senescent T cells, CD8 + CD28- TEMRA cells (p = 0.036, adjusted for COVID-19 infection). Furthermore, there was increased detection of CD8 + CD28- TEMRA cells in individuals with greater frailty (p = 0.056, adjusted for COVID-19). CONCLUSIONS: We evaluated the immune responses to the Moderna COVID-19 mRNA vaccine in frail older adults in a retirement community. A higher degree of frailty was associated with diminished antibody quantity and quality. However, a booster vaccine dose at 6 months overcame these effects. Frailty was associated with an increased immune-senescence phenotype that may contribute to the observed changes in the vaccine response. While the strength of our conclusions was limited by a small cohort, these results are important for guiding further investigation of vaccine responses in frail older adults.

Effect of hyperglycemia on the immune function of COVID-19 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a retrospective study.

Purpose: To analyze the clinical characteristics and immune function parameters and to explore the effect of hyperglycemia on the immune function in patients with Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods: This retrospective study included patients with COVID-19 with T2DM hospitalized in Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University between January 31, 2020, and February 10, 2020. The clinical data were collected and patients were divided into a well-controlled group (blood glucose 3.9-10.0 mmol/L) and a poorly-controlled group (blood glucose >10.0 mmol/L). The differences in routine blood tests, peripheral lymphocyte subsets, humoral immune components, C-reactive protein (CRP) level, and cytokines were compared, and the correlation between blood glucose and immune parameters as well as the severity of the disease was analyzed. Results: A total of 65 patients with COVID-19 and T2DM were included in the final analysis. Compared with the well-controlled group, patients in the poorly-controlled group had decreased lymphocytes, CD16+ 56+ NK cells, CD3+ T cells, CD8+ T cells and increased neutrophil percentage, IL-6 levels, CRP levels and serum concentration of IgA. Blood glucose was inversely correlated with CD16+ 56+ NK cells, CD3+ T cells, CD4+ T cells, and CD8+ T cells and positively correlated with IL-6 and CRP levels. There was a positive correlation between blood glucose and the severity of the COVID-19. Conclusion: Hyperglycemia will aggravate the immune dysfunction of COVID-19 patients with T2DM and affect the severity of COVID-19.

Effects of forest environment (Shinrin-yoku/Forest bathing) on health promotion and disease prevention -the Establishment of "Forest Medicine".

Humans have enjoyed forest environments for ages because of the quiet atmosphere, beautiful scenery, mild climate, pleasant aromas, and fresh, clean air. In Japan, since 2004, serial studies have been conducted to investigate the effects of forest environments (Forest bathing/Shinrin-yoku) on human health. My research team has established a new medical science called Forest Medicine. The Forest Medicine is a new interdisciplinary science, belonging to the categories of alternative medicine, environmental medicine and preventive medicine, which studies the effects of forest environments (Forest bathing/Shinrin-yoku) on human health. It has been reported that Forest bathing/Shinrin-yoku has the following beneficial effects on human health:1 Shinrin-yoku increases human natural killer (NK) activity, the number of NK cells, and the intracellular levels of anti-cancer proteins, suggesting a preventive effect on cancers. 2 Shinrin-yoku reduces blood pressure and heart rate showing preventive effect on hypertension and heart diseases. 3 Shinrin-yoku reduces stress hormones, such as urinary adrenaline and noradrenaline and salivary/serum cortisol contributing to stress management. 4 Shinrin-yoku increases the activity of parasympathetic nerves and reduces the activity of sympathetic nerves to stabilize the balance of autonomic nervous system. 5 Shinrin-yoku improve sleep. 6 Shinrin-yoku increases the levels of serum adiponectin and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate. 7 In the Profile of Mood States (POMS) test, Shinrin-yoku reduces the scores for anxiety, depression, anger, fatigue, and confusion, and increases the score for vigor, showing preventive effects on depression. 8 Shinrin-yoku may apply to rehabilitation medicine 9 Shinrin-yoku in city parks also has benefits on human health. 10 Shinrin-yoku may have preventive effect on COVID-19 by boosting immune function and by reducing mental stress.Taken together, these findings suggest that Shinrin-yoku may have potential preventive effects on non-communicable diseases.

Vitamin D Supplementation and COVID-19 Outcomes: Mounting Evidence and Fewer Doubts.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has already killed more than 6 million people around the world. A growing body of epidemiological evidence suggests that low 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25-OH-vitamin D) plasma levels are associated with an increased risk of developing COVID-19 and -most importantly-with a higher risk of developing more severe COVID-19 and dying. On the other hand, vitamin D supplementation during the early phases of COVID-19 has been related to a decreased length of hospital stay, less frequent need for oxygen, and a reduced mortality rate in inpatients. This seems to be particularly true when high dosages are used. In light of this evidence, further studies are needed to define the best timing for vitamin D supplementation and the most effective dosage schedule.

Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells and Clinical Outcomes in Children With COVID-19.

Background: Although children with COVID-19 account for fewer hospitalizations than adults, many develop severe disease requiring intensive care treatment. Critical illness due to COVID-19 has been associated with lymphopenia and functional immune suppression. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) potently suppress T cells and are significantly increased in adults with severe COVID-19. The role of MDSCs in the immune response of children with COVID-19 is unknown. Aims: We hypothesized that children with severe COVID-19 will have expansion of MDSC populations compared to those with milder disease, and that higher proportions of MDSCs will correlate with clinical outcomes. Methods: We conducted a prospective, observational study on a convenience sample of children hospitalized with PCR-confirmed COVID-19 and pre-pandemic, uninfected healthy controls (HC). Blood samples were obtained within 48 h of admission and analyzed for MDSCs, T cells, and natural killer (NK) cells by flow cytometry. Demographic information and clinical outcomes were obtained from the electronic medical record and a dedicated survey built for this study. Results: Fifty children admitted to the hospital were enrolled; 28 diagnosed with symptomatic COVID-19 (10 requiring ICU admission) and 22 detected by universal screening (6 requiring ICU admission). We found that children with severe COVID-19 had a significantly higher percentage of MDSCs than those admitted to the ward and uninfected healthy controls. Increased percentages of MDSCs in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were associated with CD4+ T cell lymphopenia. MDSC expansion was associated with longer hospitalizations and need for respiratory support in children admitted with acute COVID-19. Conclusion: These findings suggest that MDSCs are part of the dysregulated immune responses observed in children with severe COVID-19 and may play a role in disease pathogenesis. Future mechanistic studies are required to further understand the function of MDSCs in the setting of SARS-CoV-2 infection in children.

Antibody- and T Cell-Dependent Responses Elicited by a SARS-CoV-2 Adenoviral-Based Vaccine in a Socially Vulnerable Cohort of Elderly Individuals.

BACKGROUND: In spite of compelling evidence demonstrating safety and immunogenicity of adenoviral-based SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in the general population, its effects in socially vulnerable elderly individuals are poorly understood. Here we aimed to investigate the efficacy of two doses of combined vector vaccine, the Gam-COVID-Vac (Sputnik-V vaccine), at 14, 42, and 180 days after immunization, in a nursing home for underprivileged population and homeless individuals. METHODS: A phase 3, open-label clinical trial involving administration of two adenoviral vectors (Ad26-Ad5) vaccine, in elderly individuals over the ages of 60 years was performed. SARS-CoV-2 Spike RBD-specific IgG antibodies at days 21-, 42- and 180 post-vaccination was analyzed in sera of individuals receiving two doses of the Sputnik-V vaccine with an interval of 21 days. SARS-CoV-2-specific CD8+ T cell responses, measured by intracellular tumor necrosis factor (TNF) was determined by flow cytometry following antigen-specific cultures. RESULTS: A total of 72 elderly adults with a mean age of 72.6 ± 9.5 years-old was selected after applying the inclusion criteria, all corresponding to an underprivileged population. Two-doses vaccination with Sputnik-V vaccine elicited an antibody-mediated immune response (revealed by quantitative detection of SARS-CoV-2-specific IgG antibodies, CMIA) 70% at day 21, 90% at day 42, and 66.1% at day 180. Fully vaccinated individuals had robust SARS-CoV-2-specific T cell responses, evidenced by TNF production in CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in all time periods analyzed. CONCLUSION: Six months after receipt of the second dose of the Gam-COVID-Vac vaccine, SARS-CoV-2-specific IgG levels declined substantially among the tested population, whereas CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell-mediated immunity remained at high levels. These data suggest that two doses of combined adenoviral-based vaccine elicits a considerable level of SARS-CoV-2 immune responses in elderly individuals, highlighting its safety and immunogenicity in this highly vulnerable population.

Age-associated alterations in immune function and inflammation.

Immunosenescence is a term used to describe the age-related changes in the immune system. Immunosenescence is associated with complex alterations and dysregulation of immune function and inflammatory processes. Age-related changes in innate immune responses including alterations in chemotactic, phagocytic, and natural killing functions, impaired antigen presenting capacity, and dysregulated inflammatory response have been described. The most striking and best characterized feature of immunosenescence is the decline in both number and function of T cells. With age there is decreased proliferation, decreased number of antigen-naïve T cells, and increased number of antigen-experienced memory T cells. This decline in naïve T cell population is associated with impaired immunity and reduced response to new or mutated pathogens. While the absolute number of peripheral B cells appears constant with age, changes in B cell functions including reduced antibody production and response and cell memory have been described. However, the main alteration in cell-mediated function that has been reported across all species with aging is those observed in in T cell. These T cell mediated changes have been shown to contribute to increased susceptibility to infection and cancer in older adults. In addition to functional and phenotype alterations in immune cells, studies demonstrate that circulating concentrations of inflammatory mediators in older adults are higher than those of young. This low grade, chronic inflammatory state that occurs in the context of aging has been termed "inflammaging". This review will focus on age-related changes in the immune system including immunosenescence and inflammation as well as the functional consequences of these age-related alterations for the aged.

Influence of Nutritional Status and Physical Exercise on Immune Response in Metabolic Syndrome.

Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of metabolic alterations mostly related to visceral adiposity, which in turn promotes glucose intolerance and a chronic systemic inflammatory state, characterized by immune cell infiltration. Such immune system activation increases the risk of severe disease subsequent to viral infections. Strong correlations between elevated body mass index (BMI), type-2-diabetes and increased risk of hospitalization after pandemic influenza H1N1 infection have been described. Similarly, a correlation between elevated blood glucose level and SARS-CoV-2 infection severity and mortality has been described, indicating MetS as an important predictor of clinical outcomes in patients with COVID-19. Adipose secretome, including two of the most abundant and well-studied adipokines, leptin and interleukin-6, is involved in the regulation of energy metabolism and obesity-related low-grade inflammation. Similarly, skeletal muscle hormones-called myokines-released in response to physical exercise affect both metabolic homeostasis and immune system function. Of note, several circulating hormones originate from both adipose tissue and skeletal muscle and display different functions, depending on the metabolic context. This review aims to summarize recent data in the field of exercise immunology, investigating the acute and chronic effects of exercise on myokines release and immune system function.

Fetal neurodevelopmental spatio-temporal dynamic transcriptional landscape of maternal insult-induce autism spectrum disorder risk.

Maternal insults during pregnancy induces an increased risk of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in offspring, but the neuropathological changes in this process remains not to be established. To shed light on this, the transcriptome datasets of maternal blood samples with children later diagnosed with ASD and typical development, and tissue samples of multiple brain regions from ASD patients and human neurodevelopment were conducted to identify the non-chasm differentially expressed genes (DEGs) to generate the spatio-temporal dynamic change. Combined enrichment and interaction network analysis revealed that non-chasm DEGs with similar expression trajectories in the same brain regions, were involved in neural, immune and metabolic GO functions and KEGG pathways, respectively, suggesting that did not performed exactly the same functions. Interestingly, our results found that non-chasm DEGs in frontal cortex and temporal cortex were associated with COVID-19, suggesting that as an environmental risk factor COVID-19 affects an increased risk of ASD.

Frailty and COVID-19 mRNA Vaccine Antibody Response in the COVID-19 Community Research Partnership.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 has disproportionately affected older adults. Frailty has been associated with impaired vaccine response in other vaccine types, but the impact of frailty on mRNA vaccine response is undefined. METHODS: Observational study of adults aged 55 and older from 1 U.S. health care system between January 22, 2021 and September 16, 2021 with self-reported Moderna or Pfizer COVID-19 mRNA vaccine and an electronic frailty index (eFI) score from their medical record (n = 1 677). Participants' frailty status was compared with positive antibody detection (seroconversion) following full vaccination and subsequent loss of positive antibody detection (seroreversion) using logistic regression models. RESULTS: Of 1 677 older adults with median (interquartile range) age, 67 (62 and 72) years, and frailty status (nonfrail: 879 [52%], prefrail: 678 [40%], and frail: 120 [7.2%]), seroconversion was not detected in 23 (1.4%) over 60 days following full vaccination. Frail individuals were less likely to seroconvert than nonfrail individuals, adjusted odds ratio (OR) 3.75, 95% confidence interval (CI; 1.04, 13.5). Seroreversion was detected in 50/1 631 individuals (3.1%) over 6 months of median follow-up antibody testing. Frail individuals were more likely to serorevert than nonfrail individuals, adjusted OR 3.02, 95% CI (1.17, 7.33). CONCLUSION: Overall antibody response to COVID-19 mRNA vaccination was high across age and frailty categories. While antibody detection is an incomplete descriptor of vaccine response, the high sensitivity of this antibody combined with health-system data reinforce our conclusions that frailty is an independent predictor of impaired antibody response to the COVID-19 mRNA vaccines. Frailty should be considered in vaccine studies and prevention strategies.

Dietary foods containing nitric oxide donors can be early curators of SARS-CoV-2 infection: A possible role in the immune system.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS CoV-2) is a lethal virus that causes COVID-19 (Coronavirus disease 2019), the respiratory illness that has caused the COVID-19 pandemic. Even though multiple pharmacological trials are ongoing, there is no proof that any treatment will effectively cure or prevent COVID-19. Currently, COVID-19-infected patients are being managed with non-specific medications to suppress the symptoms and other associated co-morbidities. Nitric oxide is a bio-signaling molecule that has been shown to be effective for treating several viral infections in humans. Household Natural foods rich in nitrites and nitrates (NO donors) have been scientifically proven to have therapeutic benefits against immune-related respiratory tract infections. It was understood that NO could inhibit the early stage of SARS CoV-2 invasion into the human cell. Fruits and vegetables containing nitrites and nitrates have been revised and are now thought to be potential anti-CoV agents for effective control of other associated systemic disorders. The purpose of this review is to highlight some key facts about the treatment and prevention of COVID-19 infection with foods rich in nitric oxide and its donors. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Improving the body's immune system is the early step to be considered as a preventive measure to stop the spreading of COVID-19 infection. Emerging research continues to mount that dietary nitrates/nitrites from plant foods are being healthy as well as keep us away from infectious diseases. They are now incorporated into low-risk adjuvant therapy for various infections and systemic disorders. This concept portrays the regular consuming foods such as fruits and vegetables that are rich in nitric oxide which have the potential to promote health, improve general well-being, and reduce the risk associated with the highly contagious diseases. Hence, we recommend adding nitrates and nitrites-containing food to the regular diet to improve the self-immunity as well as to fight against COVID-19 disease.

High-Dose Vitamin C Supplementation as a Legitimate Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Prophylaxis in Healthy Subjects-Yes or No?

Vitamin C has a number of acitvities that could contribute to its immune-modulating effects. The only question is whether we should provide ourselves with only the right level of it, or do we need much more during a pandemic? The possibility of reducing the incidence of viral diseases in a well-nourished population through the use of dietary supplements based on vitamin C is not supported in the literature. Despite this, the belief that an extra intake of vitamin C can increase the efficacy of the immune system is still popular and vitamin C is advertised as a remedy to prevent infectious disease. This article refers to the justification of the use of vitamin C in high doses as an anti-SARS-CoV-2 prophylaxis in healthy subjects. Does it make sense or not? As it turns out, any effects of vitamin C supplementation may be more prominent when the baseline vitamin C level is low, for example in physically active persons. People with hypovitaminosis C are more likely to respond to vitamin C administration. No studies regarding prevention of COVID-19 with high-dose vitamin C supplementation in healthy subjects were found.

The Importance of Sleep and Circadian Rhythms for Vaccination Success and Susceptibility to Viral Infections.

Sleep and circadian rhythms are closely involved in the immune system and its regulation. Here, we describe this relationship and provide recommendations regarding the influence of sleep and circadian rhythms on vaccination success. We review studies investigating how viral susceptibility is influenced by changes in immunological parameters as a consequence of sleep deprivation. Short sleep duration and poor sleep efficiency both appear to be strong factors leading to greater vulnerability. In addition, both sleep duration and the time of day of the vaccination seem to be associated with the magnitude of the antibody response after vaccination. Based on these findings, a recommendation would consist of a sleep duration of 7 h or more every night to both reduce the risk of infection and to optimize the efficacy of vaccination with respect to circadian timing. Improving sleep quality and its circadian timing can potentially play a role in preventing infection and in vaccination benefits. In conclusion, sufficient (or longer) sleep duration is important in both reducing susceptibility to infection and increasing antibody response after vaccination.