Sie befinden Sich nicht im Netzwerk der Universität Paderborn. Der Zugriff auf elektronische Ressourcen ist gegebenenfalls nur via VPN oder Shibboleth (DFN-AAI) möglich.
mehr Informationen...
This chapter examines the role of free radicals and other reactive oxygen species in the immune system. The relevant immune parameters for assessment of the effects of antioxidants are discussed. The oxidative stress impairs immune responses and that antioxidant supplementation can reverse many aspects of oxidant-mediated immune suppression. Immune function depends on a balance between the free radical and antioxidant status of the individual. In healthy adults, exposure to high levels of oxidants is associated with reduction in clinically relevant immune responses; exposure to low levels of dietary antioxidants also reduces immune responses such as delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH). When antioxidant vitamins are provided, there is a reduction in the indices of oxidative stress and a concomitant improvement in several measures of immune function. A synopsis of recent clinical findings is provided by using three examples. The three examples include (1) an autoimmune disease (rheumatoid arthritis), (2) the effects of aging, and (3) the effects of an environmental agent (cigarette smoke). These examples are chosen because of the relatively large number of clinical studies in these areas that address the interactions of immune function and oxidant–antioxidant balance.