New Insight Into What Does and Doesn’t Affect Immune System
Researchers at Michigan State University have discovered that an appetite-controlling hormone affects the immune system, as well as pharmaceutical steroids.
One MSU research team discovered that leptin, a hormone produced by fat cells, supports white blood cell production in the body, enhancing immune function. This is the first time leptin’s effect on the immune system has been demonstrated. Scientists have known for a long time that leptin helps control how much a person eats as well as how quickly the body burns energy.
A second MSU research team studied corticosteroids. They found that corticosteroids, such as prednisone, which reduces inflammation, also inhibit the body’s immune system – a person taking prescription steroids is more susceptible to infection. Another MSU research team found that corticosteroids produced naturally in the body don’t have this same immunosuppressive effect.
The human body secretes corticosteroids when it’s under stress, both psychological and physical, and these steroids are responsible for the “fight-or-flight response” in humans and other animals. Cortisol (also called hydrocortisone) is the most abundant corticosteroid in the body. These steroids’ anti-inflammatory effects are well-known, and pharmaceutical companies have been making versions of them for about 20 years. But people taking steroids are warned that cuts and bruises may be slow to heal because of steroids’ effects on the immune system.
The discovery that the naturally-produced versions of the steroids don’t affect the immune system like the pharmacological versions is the first time this has been observed.
Reference: Michigan State University
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