Expression of Cytokine mRNA in Lymphocytes of Malnourished Children

Abstract

In conclusion, the results suggest that alterations in the balance of type 1/type 2 immune responses exist in malnourished children, and this could be the reason that the immunological system of the malnourished children is incapable of eradicating infections.

Protein Malnutrition Alters Spleen Cell Proliferation and IL-2 and IL-10 Production by Affecting the STAT-1 and STAT-3 Balance

“…In fact, the overproduction of IL-10 and downregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines have often been associated with immunosuppression. Our results are consistent with the literature, as we observed the increased production of IL-10 and the downregulation of IL-2 in spleen cells from malnourished animals upon stimulation [34][35][36].…”

“…IL-10 is a particularly important anti-inflammatory mediator that regulates both innate and adaptive immune responses [15,[34][35][36]. In fact, the overproduction of IL-10 and downregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines have often been associated with immunosuppression.…”

T lymphocytes from malnourished infants are short-lived and dysfunctional cells

“…In experimental animals and humans, it has been demonstrated that the production of several cytokines, including IL-2 and IFN-␥, is diminished in malnourished patients (Mengheri et al 1992;Ameho et al 1997;Rodríguez et al 2005;González-Martínez et al 2008). Their results agree with ours, and this fact may be related to impairment of the immune response of malnourished patients.…”

“…These polypeptides are synthesized in response to microorganisms and other antigens, and they mediate and regulate immune and inflammatory reactions. Many studies have described alteration in the expression of different cytokines during malnutrition (Mengheri et al 1992;Doherty et al 1994;Ameho et al 1997;Lofty et al 1998;Malavé et al 1998;Dülger et al 2002;Amesty et al 2003;Rodríguez et al 2005;González-Martínez et al 2008).…”

Protein Energy Malnutrition during Vaccination Has Limited Influence on Vaccine Efficacy but Abolishes Immunity if Administered during Mycobacterium tuberculosis Infection

“…As immunity to TB is mediated by protective T cells, these vaccines employ a range of adjuvants or live-delivery systems to promote protective T cells (reviewed in references 13 and 14). However, the cellular part of the immune system has, in early studies, been reported to be sensitive to the effects of PEM (15,16), resulting in reduced production of the T helper type 1 (Th1) cytokines gamma interferon (IFN-␥) and interleukin-2 (IL-2) (17)(18)(19)(20). The cellular and molecular background of this reduced response is not fully understood and has been the subject of some debate (21)(22)(23)(24)(25).…”