The beneficial physiological effects of traditional Thai massage (TTM) have been previously documented. However, its effect on immune status, particularly in the elderly, has not been explored. This study aimed to investigate the effects of multiple rounds of TTM on senescent CD4+ T cell subsets in the elderly. The study recruited 12 volunteers (61–75 years), with senescent CD4+ T cell subsets, who received six weekly 1-h TTM sessions or rest, using a randomized controlled crossover study with a 30-day washout period. Flow cytometry analysis of surface markers and intracellular cytokine staining was performed. TTM could attenuate the senescent CD4+ T cell subsets, especially in CD4+28null NKG2D+ T cells (n = 12; p < 0.001). The participants were allocated into two groups (low < 2.75% or high ≥ 2.75%) depending on the number of CD4+28null NKG2D+ T cells. After receiving TTM over 6 sessions, the cell population of the high group had significantly decreased (p < 0.001), but the low group had no significant changes. In conclusion, multiple rounds of TTM may promote immunity through the attenuation of aberrant CD4+ T subsets. TTM may be provided as a complementary therapy to improve the immune system in elderly populations.
High-density lipoprotein (HDL) and exosomes are promising sources of biomarkers. However, the limited sample volume and access to the ultracentrifuge equipment are still an issue during HDL and exosome isolation. This study aimed to isolate HDL and exosomes using an ultracentrifugation-free method with various small serum volumes. HDL was isolated from 200 µL (HDL200) and 500 µL (HDL500) of sera. Three different volumes: 50 µL (Exo50), 100 µL (Exo100), and 250 µL (Exo250) were used for exosome isolation. HDL and exosomes were isolated using commercial kits with the modified method and characterized by multiple approaches. The HDL levels of HDL200 and HDL500 were not significantly different (p > 0.05), with percent recoveries of >90%. HDL200 and HDL500 had the same protein pattern with a biochemical similarity of 99.60 ± 0.10%. The particle sizes of Exo50, Exo100, and Exo250 were in the expected range. All isolated exosomes exhibited a similar protein pattern with a biochemical similarity of >99%. In conclusion, two different serum volumes (200 and 500 µL) and three different serum volumes (50, 100, and 250 µL) can be employed for HDL and exosome isolation, respectively. The possibility of HDL and exosome isolation with small volumes will accelerate biomarker discoveries with various molecular diagnostic approaches.
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