title: Egyptian concept of rational immune modulation: nature-friendly lifestyle for taking athero-protective phenotype.
abstract: A slightly lower rate of atherosclerosis in some tropical regions such as the Nile delta in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Yemen and sub-Sahara Africa is associated with evidences of increased helminthic co-infection. Attempts to eradicate helminthic infections led to the shift of immune balance toward T helper 1 cells and their related cytokines. This shift is parallel with atherogenesis and its related complications. Atherosclerosis is a degenerative man-made disease which begins in early life. Thus, preventive strategies should begin at the same time. As an example to follow, living with old friends, adaption of a more nature-friendly lifestyle and "fine immune-modulation" plans from early childhood, like Egyptians, seems a good option. Finally, a proper intentional balance between T helper 1 and 2 cells should be defended and constructed environmentally in the manner compatible with modern hygiene using a soft application of old hygiene. This needs robust understanding of atheroprotective habits in regions with lower burden of atherosclerosis.
authors: Heart Failure Research Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran, Cardiovascular Research Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran. behjati@med.mui.ac.ir.
authors: Mohaddeseh
authors: M
authors: Behjati
mesh_terms: D050197:Atherosclerosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000276:immunology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D004534:Egypt / Q000453:epidemiology; D006373:Helminthiasis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D061148:Hygiene Hypothesis; D008019:Life Style; D010641:Phenotype; D065840:Protective Factors; D018417:Th1 Cells; D058408:Th1-Th2 Balance; D018418:Th2 Cells