Journals of Gerontology Series A: Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences Large Type Edition
HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS
QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced]
Author:
 		Keyword(s):
Year:  Vol:  Page: 

This Article
Right arrow Full Text
Right arrow Full Text (PDF)
Right arrow Alert me when this article is cited
Right arrow Alert me if a correction is posted
Services
Right arrow Similar articles in this journal
Right arrow Similar articles in PubMed
Right arrow Alert me to new issues of the journal
Right arrow Download to citation manager
Google Scholar
Right arrow Articles by Yasumasu, T.
Right arrow Articles by Nakashima, Y.
Right arrow Articles citing this Article
PubMed
Right arrow PubMed Citation
Right arrow Articles by Yasumasu, T.
Right arrow Articles by Nakashima, Y.
The Journals of Gerontology Series A: Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences 58:M561-M565 (2003)
© 2003 The Gerontological Society of America

Effect of Plasma Lipoproteins on Natural Killer Cell Activity in the Elderly Population

Tomiya Yasumasu1, Kazuo Takahara1, Takao Sadayasu3, Hirokazu Date4, Kazuhiko Isozumi2, Ryouji Kouzuma2 and Yasuhide Nakashima2

1 First Department of Medical Technology, School of Health Sciences
2 Second Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan.
3 Seiwakai Clinic
4 Ashiya Central Hospital, Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan.

Background. Natural killer (NK) cells possess spontaneous cytotoxicity against tumors and virus-infected cells to play a major role in immunosurveillance and defense against the development of cancer, as well as bacterial and viral infections. The role of plasma lipoproteins in atherogenesis is well recognized, but the physiological relevance of their immunoregulatory properties is still questioned. In particular, it is unknown whether hypercholesterolemia should be considered a risk factor for diminished immunity in old age.

Methods. To evaluate effects of plasma lipoprotein levels on immune function, we assessed the relation between plasma lipoprotein profiles and NK cell activity. NK cell activity was assayed by release of 51Cr from K562 target cells, and concurrent plasma lipoprotein levels were measured in 47 samples of elderly males (mean age ± SD, 66.6 ± 1.7 years).

Results. Univariate regression analyses revealed direct relations between NK cell activity and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (, ), apolipoprotein (Apo) A-1 (, ), and Apo A-2 (, ). In addition, multiple regression analyses showed a direct independent relation between NK cell activity and Apo A-1 (, , and ).

Conclusion. NK cell activity is related directly to plasma Apo A-1 levels in elderly subjects. The mechanisms of this interaction are unknown, but Apo A-1 contributes to the composition of the antiatherogenic fraction of high-density lipoprotein and could also defend against infectious and malignant disease through a potential for NK cell activity.






HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS
All GSA journals The Gerontologist
Journals of Gerontology Series B: Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences
Copyright © 2003 by The Gerontological Society of America.