title: In vitro Production of IL-6 and IFN-γ is Influenced by Dietary Variables and Predicts Upper Respiratory Tract Infection Incidence and Severity Respectively in Young Adults.
abstract: Assessment of immune responses in healthy adults following dietary or lifestyle interventions is challenging due to significant inter-individual variability. Thus, gaining a better understanding of host factors that contribute to the heterogeneity in immunity is necessary. To address this question, healthy adults [n = 36, 18-40 years old, body mass index (BMI) 20-35 kg/m(2)] were recruited. Dietary intake was obtained via 3-day dietary recall records, physical activity level was evaluated using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated from peripheral blood. Expression of activation markers on unstimulated immune subsets was assessed by flow cytometry. T-cell proliferation and cytokine secretion was assessed following in vitro stimulation with anti-CD3 or lipopolysaccharide. Furthermore, the incidence and severity of cold or flu symptoms were obtained from self-reported upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) questionnaires. The relationship between activation marker expression on T cells and T-cell effector functions; and in vitro cytokine secretion and URTI was determined by linear or logistic regression. CD69 and CD25 expression on unstimulated T cells was significantly associated with T-cell proliferation and interleukin-2 secretion. Incidence and severity of cold or flu symptoms was significantly associated with in vitro interleukin-6 and interferon-gamma secretion, respectively. Furthermore, host factors (e.g., age, BMI, physical activity, and diet) contributed significantly to the relationship between activation marker expression and T-cell effector function, and cytokine secretion and cold and flu status. In conclusion, these results suggest that lifestyle and dietary factors are important variables that contribute to immune responses and should be included in human clinical trials that assess immune endpoints.
authors: Department of Nutritional Sciences, Pennsylvania State University , University Park, PA , USA.
authors: Huicui
authors: H
authors: Meng
authors: Department of Nutritional Sciences, Pennsylvania State University , University Park, PA , USA.
authors: Yujin
authors: Y
authors: Lee
authors: Department of Food Science, Pennsylvania State University , University Park, PA , USA.
authors: Zhaoyong
authors: Z
authors: Ba
authors: Department of Nutritional Sciences, Pennsylvania State University , University Park, PA , USA.
authors: Jennifer A
authors: JA
authors: Fleming
authors: Department of Food Science, Pennsylvania State University , University Park, PA , USA.
authors: Emily J
authors: EJ
authors: Furumoto
authors: Department of Food Science, Pennsylvania State University , University Park, PA , USA.
authors: Robert F
authors: RF
authors: Roberts
authors: Department of Nutritional Sciences, Pennsylvania State University , University Park, PA , USA.
authors: Penny M
authors: PM
authors: Kris-Etherton
authors: Department of Nutritional Sciences, Pennsylvania State University , University Park, PA , USA.
authors: Connie J
authors: CJ
authors: Rogers
keywords: T-cell proliferation; activation markers; cold or flu incidence and severity; cytokine secretion; host factors