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ABSTRACT: Neuroinflammation in Parkinson's disease (PD) involves activation of microglia, participation of several inflammatory cytokines, prostaglandins, complement and systemic activation of natural killer (NK) cells, suggesting that innate immunity has a role in the pathogenesis of this disease. In this study, we examined NK activity and the expression of its regulatory molecules in peripheral lymphocytes of PD patients and compared the results with those of healthy controls. Expression of the inhibitory NKG2A receptors was significantly lower in PD, causing PD patients to be susceptible in a condition for NK activation after NK cells bind to target cells via these receptors.
Parkinsonism & Related Disorders 02/2008; 14(1):46-51. · 3.80 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Immune reaction-related inflammation may be important in the pathogenesis of Parkinson disease (PD). To elucidate peripheral immunologic alterations in PD, we characterized extended peripheral T-lymphocyte populations in 33 patients with PD and 34 normal subjects. Patients with PD had significantly decreased CD4+:CD8(+)T-cell ratios (P<0.001), fewer CD4(+)CD25(+)T cells (P<0.01), and significantly increased ratios of IFN-gamma-producing to IL-4-producing T cells (P<0.001). The characteristics of predominant expression of CD8(+)T cells, depletion of CD4(+)CD25(high) cells, and a shift to a T(H)1-type immune response in the peripheral immune system in PD patients may reflect an immune reaction-associated inflammatory process in the brain.
Parkinsonism & Related Disorders 01/2006; 11(8):493-8. · 3.80 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Hochu-ekki-to (HOT) has long been used for treatment of the elderly complaining of severe weakness. In this study, we examined its immunopharmacological effect on 16 elderly patients, aged 76.5 years on average and complaining of general fatigue. They were administered orally 7.5 g of HOT every day for at least 120 days (4 months), which provided them with a noticeable improvement of their physical condition. From the immunological point of view, during the observation period, the total number of circulating leukocytes remained unchanged, as well as the ratios between CD3+T- and CD20+B-cells and between CD4+T- and CD8+T-cells. However, as verified on day 30 as well as on day 120 after the administration of HOT, the activity of NK against K562 target cells was significantly enhanced. Also, on days 30 and 120, there was a significant increase in serum IFN-γ level which is thought to be associated with NK activity. From these results, it may be concluded that the oral administration of HOT to the elderly may help them ameliorate, at least partially, their immunological capacity as well as their physical condition.
Geriatrics & Gerontology International 09/2004; 4(s1):S118 - S120.
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ABSTRACT: In general, the elderly show a significant age-related decline in their immune response, thus leading to an increased vulnerability to infections or to an increase in the occurrence of malignant tumors. In this study, we examined the effect of Hochu-ekki-to (HOT or TJ-41) on the immunological capacity of the elderly. A group of elderly patients complaining of general fatigue or weakness were orally administered 7.5 g of HOT everyday for at least 120 days (4 months), whereas another group of aged patients mainly complaining of a loss of appetite were daily given 7.5 g of Anchu-san (TJ-5) during the same period and served as a control group. From the immunological point of view, the total number of circulating leukocytes remained unchanged, during the observation period both in the HOT and Anchu-san groups, as well as the ratios between CD3(+) T and CD20(+) B cells and between CD4(+) T and CD8(+) T cells. In addition, no differences were observed in the expression of CD25 antigen, which represents an activated state of T cells. However, as verified on day 30 as well as on day 120 after the administration of HOT, the natural killer (NK) activity against K562 target cells was significantly enhanced, in comparison to the results on day 0 in the HOT group, as well as to that activity on days 0, 30 and 120 in the Anchu-san group. In addition, on days 30 and 120 in the HOT group, there was a significant increase in the serum IFN-gamma level, which is thought to be associated with the NK activity, whereas no significant changes in that level were observed in the Anchu-san group, during the study period. From these results, it may be concluded that the administration of HOT to elderly people may help them improve, at least to some degree, their immunological capacity.
International Immunopharmacology 03/2004; 4(2):317-24. · 2.38 Impact Factor
