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IMMUNE  SYSTEM  ENHANCEMENT

John G Connor, M.Ac., L.Ac.  

Updated Nov. 2004

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Introduction
2. Understanding the Immune System
3. Components of the Immune System
4. How the Immune System Works
5. Disorders Involving the Immune System
6. Chinese Medical Explanation of Immunity
7. Research on how Acupuncture Benefits Immunity
8. Useful Foods for Enhancing Immunity
9. Foods to Avoid
10. Useful Herbs and Phytonutrients for Immune Support
11. Cancer and Immunity
12. Useful Herbs and Phytonutrients for Cancer Prevention
13. Lifestyle Recommendations
14. References

Excerpts from the above article:

3. COMPONENTS OF THE IMMUNE SYSTEM

• Granulocytes     -  are of three types:

 1) Neutrophils - the most abundant type of white blood cell, whose function is to ingest and destroy microorganisms.

 2) Eosinophils - which ingest and destroy antigen-antibody combinations and also moderate allergic reactions by secreting an enzyme that breaks down histamine.

3) Basophils   -    which secrete compounds such as heparin or histamine in response to contact with antigens.

Histamine is secreted by mast cells, basophils and blood platelets. It is released in direct response to the Injury of cells that contain it and it is also released in response to stimulation by certain components of the complement system. It is responsible for constricting bronchial airways, dilating blood vessels and increasing the permeability of blood vessels which permits fluid to move from the blood into tissue spaces causing the swelling of inflammation. The pain of inflammation can be caused by nerve damage, irritation by toxins or the pressure of the swelling.

• Lymphocytes - are responsible for the development of specific immunities. There are three main types;

1) T ceils - undergo maturation in the thymus gland and play a major role in cell-mediated immunity. T-cells circulate in the blood.

2) B cells - mature in the bone marrow and are responsible for the production of antibodies. B cells do not circulate in the blood. Their role is to produce and secrete antibodies. Each B-cell is specific to one particular antigen.

3) NK (Natural Killer) cells - destroy body cells that have become infected or become cancerous.

• When an invader is present T-cells tell B-cells to start producing antibodies. B-cells then rum into plasma cells, whereby millions of antibodies specific to the invader cells are produced. Once the antibodies are produced they are sent into the bloodstream to lock onto an antigen and destroy it. Plasma cells (which live 4 - 5 days) memorize the invader's antigens and become memory B-cells. In this way if another invasion occurs antibodies will be made available much more rapidly. The B-cells that do not become plasma cells remain as memory B-cells and live for months or years, ready to forcefully and rapidly take action the next time the same invader appears.
• Monocytes- act as the garbage collectors of the body. They engulf and digest foreign particles as well as damaged or aging cells, including tumor cells.

Differentiation of Cytokines:

• Cytokines- are proteins secreted by monocytes called monokines and by lymphocytes called lymphokines that regulate the magnitude of an inflammatory or immune response
• Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF)-alpha - is a major cytokine that is produced by macrophage cells. In general its effects cause inflammation.
• Interleukin-1 - is a cytokine that is involved in the process that induces fever.
• Interleukin-4 - enhances the ability of B-cells to make antibodies. It also stimulates helper T-cells and cytotoxic T-cells to perform their job. Overproduction of  interleukin-4 promotes allergic responses.
•  Interleukin -6 - is released by macrophages, monocytes and some T-cells, and induces B-cells to produce antibodies. An abnormal production of interleukin-6 is associated with autoimmune disorders and inflammatory and allergic conditions.
• Interferon -is an antiviral protein (cytokine) produced by fibroblasts in connective tissue, by lymphocytes and by other leukocytes. It is also produced by virus infected host cells in very small quantities and diffuses to uninfected neighboring cells where it induces the uninfected cells to manufacture mRNA for the synthesis of antiviral proteins. Interferon is also secreted by T-cells in order to call NK cells to battle at the site of infected cells. The following herbs boost our own production of interferon: astragalus, echinacea, medicinal mushrooms, Pau d'arco and licorice.

There are two types of T-cells:

• 1) Helper T-cells - also known as T4 cells or CD4 cells, sound the emergency alarm and assist cytotoxic T-cells in their action. They also secrete interleukin-2 which stimulates the growth, abundance and killing ability of cytotoxic T-cells. Helper T-cells also secrete proteins that increase the inflammatory response and the ability of macrophages to kill.  HIV is a retrovirus that hijacks helper T-cells and dominates the cell's genetic makeup.

• TH1 helper cells - produce lymphokines that enhance the ability of the immune system to respond to viruses, intracellular bacteria, fungi or parasites and activate cytotoxic or suppressor T-cells, TH1 helper cells release interleukin-2 and gamma-interferon.

• TH2 helper cells - function more in relation to allergic reactions or antibody responses. TH2 mediated responses increase antibody production and when out of balance can cause destruction of cells of the "self". TH2 cells release interleukin-6, a powerful interleukin involved in inflammatory processes seen in rheumatoid arthritis. TH2 cells release IL-4, IL-6 and IL-10 which enhance the ability of B-cells to produce antibodies. When TH1 helper cells are suppressed and TH2 is in excess, a cascade of immune-related problems occurs; for example, cancer is left to flourish, inflammation occurs and autoimmune diseases run rampant.  Studies show that psoriasis is associated with TH2 cells releasing an overabundance of IL-6, which increases the production of skin cells.
• 2) Cytotoxic T-cells - inject killing agents into infected cells to destroy them. They also elicit a form of programmed cell death called apoptosis whereby infected cells are programmed to commit suicide. Immunologists believe that the liver damage that results in hepatitis B is caused by the cell-destroying action of cytotoxic T-cells. While eradicating the virus, these cells damage liver tissue.

Antibodies:

• IgA - is found in tears, milk, sweat and saliva as well as on mucous membranes. It is involved in holding off invaders or pushing them out of the body. When secretory IgA in the GI tract is low, immune deficiency is common.
• IgE -is involved in allergic reactions whereby mast cells are encouraged to release histamine. In cases of severe allergic reactions, too much histamine causes a system overload that may result in anaphylactic reactions that can result in death.
• IgG - is the most abundant antibody. It coats microorganisms and is specialized to kill certain bacteria and viruses. It also activates a series of enzymes that enhance the digestion of invaders
• IgM - operates in the bloodstream only and engages in disabling bacteria.

10. USEFUL HERBS AND PHYTONUTR1ENTS FOR IMMUNE SUPPORT

·        Carotenoids -boost the immune system and enhance the response of T-cells and B-cells,

·        Cat's claw (Una de gato or Uncaria tomentosa) This herb is believed to accelerate wound healing and to enhance cartilage restoration in joint disorders. A number of case studies also show promise for cat's claw in treating various immuno­deficiency states, auto immunological diseases, allergic diseases, tremors, gastrointestinal inflammation and even viral and bacterial infections.

There are two Uncaria tomentosa chemotypes. One of these contains pentacyclic oxindole alkaloids (POAs) which are vital to the herb's activity; the other contains tetracyclic oxindole alkaloids (TOAs), which negate the POAs' beneficial properties. To be certain that a preparation is active, it is essential that it be certified as TOA-free, only then can utility be assured.

Several in-vitro studies have shown that POA-containing cat's claw products activate both T-lymphocytes and B-lymphocytes and also increase the phagocyte performance rate of the granulocytes and of cells in the reticuloendothelial system. At the same time, the proliferation of transformed and activated T-lymphoblasts and B-lymphoblasts is inhibited.

• Coenzyme Q10 - Research shows that macrophage activity is increased with CoQlO supplements, and that CoQlO has antiviral, antibacterial and antitumor    effects. CoQlO is especially important during viral Infections since CoQlO levels in white blood cells fall rapidly as the cell's requirements for the nutrient increase in order to fight off invaders. It is also known to enhance natural killer cell activity and inhibit metastasis of tumors.

• Colostrum - may be of benefit in immune and autoimmune diseases. Colostrum contains the following immune factors; IgA, IgD, IgE, IgG and IgM, lactoferrin, cytokines, trypsin inhibitors, protease inhibitors, lymphokines and more.
• One study in mice showed restoration of suppressed immune function with dandelion. (Suo, 1993)

·        DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) - When DHEA levels are low, cortisol, the stress hormone, is often found to be high. DHEA seems to be a protective factor against the negative effects of cortisol. High cortisol levels Increase the release of lnterleukin-6, promoting inflammation and destruction of body tissues.

      In one study when supplemental DHEA in a dose of 50 mg was added, hardening of the arteries was reduced and insulin sensitivity increased.

In another study, females with systemic lupus erythematosis (SLE) were given 200 mg of DHEA for up to six months. All the women in the study noted overall improvement in the way they felt and the SLE Disease Activity Index score was improved significantly.

Scientists have shown that DHEA increases the secretion of interleukin-2 and gamma-interferon while inhibiting the secretion of interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor.

CAUTION: Men who have prostate cancer or women with estrogen-dominant cancers should avoid supplementation with DHEA.

• Fish oils - exert positive effects on arachidonic acid metabolism. Arachidonic acid is responsible for making the prostaglandins that cause inflammation and  aggravate certain allergic symptoms.

• Flavonoids - are potent antioxidants that prevent the formation of free radicals. They prevent inflammatory leukotrienes from causing joint pain and destruction.  They also stimulate T-cell formation and lymphocyte transformation. Food sources include broccoli, grapes, carrots, onions, peppers, green tea, tangerines, elderberries, blueberries, bilberries, apples, all citrus fruits and Ginkgo biloba.

• Glutathione - Free radical damage goes unchecked without adequate cell levels of glutathione. One study found that when elderly patients with mild glutathione deficiencies were given 75 mg daily, their T-cell activity increased dramatically, they felt healthier and had more energy. It can also protect us against ultraviolet radiation, X-rays, peroxides and the toxic effects of alcohol and prescription medications. Food sources include the cruciferous vegetables, watermelon and avocado.

• Green tea - Research shows that several cups of green tea each day have antiviral, anticancer and antibacterial effects

• Magnesium - deficiency causes an increase in pro-inflammatory conditions and an excess production of free radicals seen in CFIDS, fibromyalgia and rheumatoid conditions. Food sources are tofu, legumes, seeds and nuts, green leafy vegetables, and whole unrefined grains.
• Olive Leaf Extract -Olive leaves contain oleuropein and the products of its hydrolysis, oleuropein aglycone, elenolic acid, beta-3.4-dihydroxyphenyethyl alcohol and methyl-o-methyl elenolate. Unfortunately formal clinical studies of possible health benefits of olive leaf extract in humans are scarce; however, case reports and clinical anecdotes indicate that the product may well have effective antibacterial and antiviral properties in humans. Personal case studies have shown olive leaf extract to be effective treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome.

• Phytoestrogens - Soy products contain isoflavones, daidzein and genistein as well as protease inhibitors all of which are powerful anticancer phytochemicals. Genistein and daidzen fill the receptor sites on cells meant for estrogen, reducing the amount of estrogen produced by the body thus providing a cancer-protective effect. Estrogens, especially estradiol, are thought to be a causative factor in breast cancer, prostate cancer, menopausal symptoms, osteoporosis, PMS, and endometriosis.  Genistein also prevents blood clots and restricts the growth of blood vessels, which are the oxygen and nutrition source around tumors. All isoflavones stop the growth of young malignant tumors, thereby allowing the immune system to mop up these small tumors and eliminate them.

Protease inhibitors which are contained in soy products; suppress and stop the spread of cancer cells by interfering with the normal function of enzymes such as trypsin and chymotrypsin, thereby inhibiting the production of cancer

• Selenium - is essential to the production of glutathione peroxidase which is important in detoxifying the body of environmental toxins. Selenium deficiency causes poor resistance to viruses and bacteria and reduces T-cell activity and antibody production. Selenium supplementation has been shown to increase IL-2 levels, which is important in activating NK cell activity It has also been shown to reduce inflammatory prostaglandins and leukotrienes as well as free radicals. Food sources include Brazil nuts, brewer's yeast, broccoli, brown rice, chicken, dairy products, dulse, garlic, kelp, liver, molasses, onions, salmon, seafood, torula yeast, tuna, vegetables, wheat germ and whole grains. Dosage: It is not recommended that more than 200 micrograms of selenium be taken daily in any of the forms, since the different selenium compounds have varying degrees of toxicity
• Sterols and sterolins - Sterinol is a combination of plant sterols and sterolins (beta-sitosterolin) that has been shown to have powerful healing effects on cancer, AIDS, tuberculosis and autoimmune disorders, Sterols and sterolins enhance the activity of T-cells by inducing the synthesis of the immune-regulatory cytokines interleukin-2 and gamma-interferon while decreasing the inflammation-causing cytokine interleukin-4.

The ideal immune modulator should theoretically increase levels of TH1 and down-regulate the release of interleukin-6 from TH2 cells. Fast and current research at the University of Stellenbosch, in Cape Town, South Africa, is focusing on ways to increase or promote TH1 production using Sterinol.

Preliminary results of a clinical trial in South Africa have shown that Sterinol is effective at alleviating the symptoms of allergic rhinitis, Sterols and sterolins stimulate the release of TH1-type cytokines from helper T-cells and as a result control the allergic condition by decreasing the manufacture of IgE. They also reduced the synthesis of interleukin-5, the inflammation factor.

In recent studies Sterinol was also found to inhibit the secretion of inflammatory cytokines which resulted in a decrease of the production and release of both interleukin-6 and TNF-alpha, two factors responsible for inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis. TNF-alpha is found to be in excess in cancer, HIV and autoimmune disorders.

Sterols and sterolins are a precursor to pregnenoline and then to DHEA. They also increase the numbers and effectiveness of T-cells and natural killer cells to enhance immunity and at the same time reduce the negative stress hormone cortisol and the pro-inflammatory agent interleukin-6. both known to inhibit good immune function. DHEA levels are low in persons who use corticosteroid drugs and in persons with chronic fatigue syndrome

Food sources of sterols and sterolins are raw unprocessed nuts and seeds and their oils; olives, cloves, oregano, paprika, thyme, shrimp, lobster, crab, oyster, clams and scallops. Unfortunately, only about 5% of plant sterols are absorbed from food. Sterols and sterolins should not be taken with animal fats as their absorption is thereby inhibited.

• Tonic herbs: Astragalus, Shiitake and/or Ling Zhi mushrooms, dong quai, licorice root, ligusticum, schizandra, fo-ti, codonopsis, poria, atractylodis and tienchi.    Please consult us before using these herbs as they are generally prepared as specialized formulas.

   

• A review done at UNC and published in 2000 found that overall it appears that antioxidant nutrients (vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium and carotenoids) especially those from food sources may enhance immune function. (McDermott, 2000)

   

• Vitamin A - normalizes cell division and helps mucous membranes maintain their structural integrity to keep invaders out. Vitamin A deficiency causes the         thymus to shrink, resulting in an impaired immune system. Low levels of Vitamin A are associated with reduced antibody production and as a result T-cells will not be able to fight invaders.

   

• Vitamin B6 - Without enough VitaminB6 the thymus will shrink and a reduction in the amount of thymulin will result, T-cell activity will diminish along with B-cells and antibodies. Interleukin-2 will also be reduced, disabling natural killer cells, which raises the risk of infection and cancer and compromises the immune system. Food sources are meat, fish and poultry, grains, nuts and seeds, soybeans, green leafy vegetables and potatoes.

   

• Vitamin C - provides protection against viral infection by strengthening connective tissue and neutralizing toxic substances that are released by phagocytes. Research confirms that Vitamin C is antiviral, antibacterial and anticancer. Vitamin C enhances one of the complement enzymes, C1 esterase, without which the entire enzymatic cascade of complement would not occur and non-"self" cells would not be destroyed. Eighteen percent of the patients in one study taking Vitamin  C showed a tenfold increase in NK cell activity; and B-cell functions improved to normal after only 24 hours of supplementation. Foods high in Vitamin C include Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, collard greens, mustard greens, broccoli, black currants, kale, parsley, chili peppers, sweet red and green peppers.

   

• Vitamin E - in conjunction with selenium and Vitamin  C is the most potent immune protector. It increases resistance to infection, cell-mediated immunity and phagocytosis and reduces damage caused by stress. One study on subjects taking Vitamin  E and Vitamin  C showed an increase in T-cells, interleukin-2 and tumor necrosis factor.

• Zinc - is the most important mineral for the thymus gland. Zinc is required for cell mediated immunity and proper cell division as well as for DNA synthesis. In one study when 30 mg of zinc was provided to elderly zinc-deficient subjects, levels of interleukin-2 and thymulin increased. Zinc deficiency causes a reduction in T-cells, NK cells and thymic hormone. Recommended dosage is 15 to 60 mg daily. CAUTION: Do not take too much zinc as it can suppress immune function. Food sources include oysters, red meat, shellfish, pumpkin seeds, ginger root, pecans, Brazil nuts, whole grains, almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts, legumes, garlic, beans and potatoes.

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