Aging lymph nodes: Seeking a solution for weakened immune systems (Thymus health seems key, when lymph nodes turn dysfunctional)

Medical Xpress / University of Arizona / Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences ^ | May 4, 2022 | Sandip Ashok Sonar et al

[ConservativeMind]

It is well established that older adults are more susceptible to infection and their immune systems less capable of generating a strong immune response.

Findings suggest that lymph nodes, which are critical for maintaining and revving up the immune response during infection, age at different rates. Lymph nodes closer to the skin deteriorate two to three times more quickly than those deeper in the body.

White blood cells, specifically T cells, are the soldiers of the immune system. T cells are made by the thymus, a gland that sits below the chest bone and above the heart. The thymus quickly reduces T cell production over the human lifespan. By puberty, T cell production is 10% of what it was at birth. By the age of 40 or 50, it drops to only 1%.

T cell maintenance takes place predominantly in the lymph nodes, which serve two main functions. The first is to keep T cells healthy and alive for as long as possible—often decades in humans. The second is to trigger an immune response during infection.

…During infection, white blood cells specialized to fight divide rapidly in lymph nodes. This network of lymph nodes is what deteriorates at different rates, the team discovered.

…In fact, the cells that landed in the lymph nodes closer to the skin in older animals moved as if they had to get out quickly. Dr. Nikolich-Žugich thinks this might be because the lymph nodes weren't providing the nutrients and maintenance needed.

…"We're finding that for the immune system, there are a number of things you can do, late in life, and at midlife that can restore these things," he said. "That gives great hope. If we can restore thymus function, even for a short time late in life, that could lead to very viable treatments."

[ConservativeMind]

There are, in fact, ways to help the thymus gland, even if we don’t yet know what to do to help the lymph glands.

I’ll post that, next.

[ConservativeMind]

In mice, zinc improves regeneration of key immune organ and immune-cell recovery after bone marrow transplant

https://freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/4051570/posts

Calorie restriction trial reveals key factors in extending human health (‘Stunning rejuvenation’ of the thymus gland)

https://freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/4037773/posts

Fat-dissolving bile acids may help regulate gut immunity and inflammation

https://medicalxpress.com/news/2020-01-fat-dissolving-bile-acids-gut-immunity.html

Also, IL-7 and Rapamune make up some prescription items known to help.

[ConservativeMind]

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[icclearly]

Thanks for posting this info.

As a blood cancer patient (which directly impacts the immune system) I follow this topic intently.

Here is a link to a YouTube doctor I have followed for a year or so and find him to be very good. This link is a YouTube on fasting and the benefits and the mechanism of action.

https://youtu.be/8KzyoEFgQec

As someone who was treated a few years ago with chemotherapy (wiped out immune system), I have fasted (1000 calories a day) for several years and 100% agree it makes a huge difference.

[logi_cal869]

The data does not support this.

Circulatory deficiency, however, would add this to a very long list.

[C210N]

Could be.

Also, could be a fake rationale for reduced immune systems to the jabbed, so as to deflect the actual cause.

[GailA]

Autoimmunes, I’ve been sick since Jan 1, 4 months of H with SIBO. Then the MGD glands clogged, eyelid infection, 3 rounds of Amoxicillian, baby shampoo, heat packs, their stupid oily eye drops, got fed up and bought Similasan very Dry Eye for night and Stye eye relief for day, Silver Nitrate for the swollen red lids. I am seeing clearer, but need the glands cleaned. Sure don’t have $1,500 for a 12 minute Lipiflow. Last one they just used a fine sponge and cleaned them open, $135. Freaking ins should cover this medical condition. They only cover the cornea doc.

Went 3 yrs never got Covid, just took the vits/mins. Usual hygiene. We are a Red state so lock down wasn’t as severe.

[ConservativeMind]

My wife and I use a microwavable mask with spray, which frees up the eye glands quite well. Was recommended by our optometrist.

Look into “Bruder Hygienic Eyelid Care Kit.” It literally melts the oil out of your clogged gland, at a gentle temperature.

[GailA]

Mine is usb driven, slightly mositoned cloth, 3-4 times a day, usually works, not this time. Infection set in. And it didn’t help it was a holiday weekend. ER’s are not equipped to handle GI or this type eye issue.