The body’s ability to create new T-cells decreases with age. (Source: Wikimedia Commons, Credit: NIAID)
For a long time, there has been a suspected connection between normal immune function and antioxidants, according to The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI) Professor Petrie (1). A new study by the Florida campus of TSRI has finally discovered the mechanism underlying the age-related degradation of the immune system and how antioxidants can help prevent this breakdown (2).
By early adulthood, the thymus begins to atrophy and produces fewer T lymphocytes critical to the immune response (1). This decreases our immune system’s ability to effectively respond to vaccines and infections. Researchers believe that slowing the thymus degradation process would result in stronger immune systems in the elderly (1).
TSRI researchers studied the gene activity in the thymus tissues of mice to find where T lymphocyte production happens. They found that the stromal cells in aging mice lack an antioxidant enzyme called catalase, the enzyme that converts the byproducts of metabolism into nontoxic molecules (1).
To determine if catalase deficiency is a main cause of thymus degradation, the scientists genetically modified mice to have increased levels of catalase in the stromal cells. The catalase decreased metabolic damage and helped preserve the structural integrity of the thymus for a longer period of time. There was also evidence that two common dietary antioxidants, including Vitamin C, helped prevent the breakdown of the thymus in mice (1).
This study has opened the door for further research into immune response-related treatments for the elderly. While this research was only conducted on mice, it suggests that antioxidant-rich food or supplements will help preserve the structural integrity of the thymus and better maintain the immune system into old age.
References:
1. Scripps Research Institute. (2015, August 6). Study shows how aging cripples the immune system, suggesting benefits of antioxidants. ScienceDaily. Retrieved August 15, 2015 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/08/150806122000.htm
2. Ann V. Griffith, Thomas Venables, Jianjun Shi, Andrew Farr, Holly van Remmen, Luke Szweda, Mohammad Fallahi, Peter Rabinovitch, Howard T. Petrie. Metabolic Damage and Premature Thymus Aging Caused by Stromal Catalase Deficiency. Cell Reports, 2015; DOI:10.1016/j.celrep.2015.07.008