scholarly journals Whole Cell Euglena Gracilis Supplementation Reduces Upper Respiratory Tract Infection Symptoms in Healthy Adults (P19-009-19)

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Janaki Iyer ◽  
Paul Falcone ◽  
Kelli Herrlinger ◽  
Joanne Lasrado ◽  
Emily Pankow Fritz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Immune System ◽  
Respiratory Tract ◽  
Euglena Gracilis ◽  
Illness Severity ◽  
Healthy Adults ◽  
Upper Respiratory Tract ◽  
Whole Cell ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Upper Respiratory ◽  
Tract Infections

Abstract Objectives Upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) cause cold and flu-like symptoms, with roughly 70% of the general population experiencing at least one episode annually. The resultant lost productivity has a drastic impact with an estimated 40 M work or school days missed each year, translating to over $40B USD in lost potential. Certain populations, such as athletes and stressed workers are at an increased risk of URTIs. While diet, sleep, low stress and exercise are all important for a healthy functioning immune system, supplementation with natural ingredients could provide additional support. Euglena gracilis is a nutrient-rich natural microalgae (commonly consumed in Japan), containing immunomodulating beta 1,3-glucans, protein, some essential vitamins, and minerals. This double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel study aimed at investigating the immunomodulating effects of a patented whole cell algae fermentate (WCF) in healthy active adults. Methods Thirty-four, healthy, active (1.5–3 hours/day of an aerobic sport, 5–6 days/week) participants were randomized to either WCF or placebo for 90 days. URTI symptoms were assessed Day (D) 1 to 90 using the Wisconsin Upper Respiratory Symptom Survey. Data are shown for the a priori defined per protocol population (n = 27). Results Participants supplemented with WCF reported a lower number of URTI symptoms from D1 to 30 (P = 0.042) and from D1 to 90 (P = 0.029), lower mean number of sick days between D1 and 30 (P = 0.047) and D1 and 90 (P = 0.041), lower mean number of URTI episodes per person (P = 0.032), and lower mean number of days with at least 1 reported URTI symptom per person (P = 0.019) between D1 and 90 compared to taking placebo. Evaluation of global illness severity found that the mean total AUC for daily symptoms was significantly lower in the WCF group compared to placebo at D1 to D30 (P = 0.043) and D1 to D90 (P = 0.049). Conclusions Supplementation with WCF positively influences the immune system by reducing URTI incidence, duration, and severity in healthy adults. It is noteworthy that in the absence of the intervention, active young adults reported more URTI episodes, sick days, and global illness severity, respectively. These data suggest the ability of WCF supplementation to strengthen the immune response as evidenced by reduced cold and flu symptoms. Funding Sources Kemin Foods L.C.

scholarly journals The association between training load indices and upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) in elite soccer players

2021 ◽  
pp. 174795412110204
Author(s):  
Caoimhe Tiernan ◽  
Thomas Comyns ◽  
Mark Lyons ◽  
Alan M Nevill ◽  
Giles Warrington
Keyword(s):  
Respiratory Tract ◽  
Signs And Symptoms ◽  
Training Load ◽  
Soccer Players ◽  
Upper Respiratory Tract ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Upper Respiratory ◽  
Tract Infections ◽  
Load Indices ◽  
And Training

This study aimed to investigate the association between training load indices and Upper Respiratory Tract Infection (URTI) across different lag periods in elite soccer players. Internal training load was collected from 15 elite soccer players over one full season (40 weeks). Acute, chronic, Acute:Chronic Workload Ratio (ACWR), Exponentially Weighted Moving Averages (EWMA) ACWR, 2, 3 and 4-week cumulative load, training strain and training monotony were calculated on a rolling weekly basis. Players completed a daily illness log, documenting any signs and symptoms, to help determine an URTI. Multilevel logistic regression was used to analyze the associations between training load indices and URTIs across different lag periods (1 to 7-days). The results found a significant association between 2-week cumulative load and an increased likelihood of a player contracting an URTI 3 days later (Odds Ratio, 95% Confidence Interval: OR = 2.07, 95% CI = 0.026-1.431). Additionally, a significant association was found between 3-week cumulative load and a players’ increased risk of contracting an URTI 4 days later (OR = 1.66, 95% CI = 0.013–1.006). These results indicate that accumulated periods of high training load (2- and 3-week) associated with an increased risk of a player contracting an URTI, which may lead to performance decrements, missed training sessions or even competitions.

Consumption of gold kiwifruit reduces severity and duration of selected upper respiratory tract infection symptoms and increases plasma vitamin C concentration in healthy older adults

2011 ◽  
Vol 108 (7) ◽  
pp. 1235-1245 ◽  
Author(s):  
Denise C. Hunter ◽  
Margot A. Skinner ◽  
Frances M. Wolber ◽  
Chris L. Booth ◽  
Jacelyn M. S. Loh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin C ◽  
Respiratory Tract ◽  
Immune Function ◽  
Washout Period ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Plasma Vitamin ◽  
Upper Respiratory Tract ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Upper Respiratory ◽  
Tract Infections

In the elderly, immunosenescence and malnourishment can contribute to increased risk and severity of upper respiratory tract infections (URTI). Gold kiwifruit (Actinidia chinensis ‘Hort16A’) contains nutrients important for immune function and mitigation of symptoms of infection, including vitamins C and E, folate, polyphenols and carotenoids. The objective of the present study was to evaluate whether regular consumption of gold kiwifruit reduces symptoms of URTI in older people, and determine the effect it has on plasma antioxidants, and markers of oxidative stress, inflammation and immune function. A total of thirty-two community-dwelling people ( ≥ 65 years) participated in a randomised crossover study, consuming the equivalent of four kiwifruit or two bananas daily for 4 weeks, with treatments separated by a 4-week washout period. Participants completed the Wisconsin Upper Respiratory Symptom Survey-21 daily, and blood samples were collected at baseline and at the end of each treatment and washout period. Gold kiwifruit did not significantly reduce the overall incidence of URTI compared with banana, but significantly reduced the severity and duration of head congestion, and the duration of sore throat. Gold kiwifruit significantly increased plasma vitamin C, α-tocopherol and lutein/zeaxanthin concentrations, and erythrocyte folate concentrations, and significantly reduced plasma lipid peroxidation. No changes to innate immune function (natural killer cell activity, phagocytosis) or inflammation markers (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, homocysteine) were detected. Consumption of gold kiwifruit enhanced the concentrations of several dietary plasma analytes, which may contribute to reduced duration and severity of selected URTI symptoms, offering a novel tool for reducing the burden of URTI in older individuals.

scholarly journals The Safety of Delayed Versus Immediate Antibiotic Prescribing for Upper Respiratory Tract Infections

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tjeerd Pieter van Staa ◽  
Victoria Palin ◽  
Benjamin Brown ◽  
William Welfare ◽  
Yan Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Respiratory Tract ◽  
Hospital Admission ◽  
Respiratory Tract Infections ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Upper Respiratory Tract Infections ◽  
Antibiotic Prescribing ◽  
Upper Respiratory Tract ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Upper Respiratory ◽  
Tract Infections

Abstract Background This study aimed to evaluate the clinical safety of delayed antibiotic prescribing for upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs), which is recommended in treatment guidelines for less severe cases. Methods Two population-based cohort studies used the English Clinical Practice Research Databank and Welsh Secure Anonymized Information Linkage, containing electronic health records from primary care linked to hospital admission records. Patients with URTI and prescriptions of amoxicillin, clarithromycin, doxycycline, erythromycin, or phenoxymethylpenicillin were identified. Patients were stratified according to delayed and immediate prescribing relative to URTI diagnosis. Outcome of interest was infection-related hospital admission after 30 days. Results The population included 1.82 million patients with an URTI and antibiotic prescription; 91.7% had an antibiotic at URTI diagnosis date (immediate) and 8.3% had URTI diagnosis in 1–30 days before (delayed). Delayed antibiotic prescribing was associated with a 52% increased risk of infection-related hospital admissions (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.52; 95% confidence interval, 1.43–1.62). The probability of delayed antibiotic prescribing was unrelated to predicted risks of hospital admission. Analyses of the number needed to harm showed considerable variability across different patient groups (median with delayed antibiotic prescribing, 1357; 2.5% percentile, 295; 97.5% percentile, 3366). Conclusions This is the first large population-based study examining the safety of delayed antibiotic prescribing. Waiting to treat URTI was associated with increased risk of hospital admission, although delayed antibiotic prescribing was used similarly between high- and low-risk patients. There is a need to better target delayed antibiotic prescribing to URTI patients with lower risks of complications.

scholarly journals Upper Respiratory Tract Infections in Sport and the Immune System Response. A Review

Biology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 362
Author(s):  
Antonio Cicchella ◽  
Claudio Stefanelli ◽  
Marika Massaro
Keyword(s):  
Immune System ◽  
Respiratory Tract ◽  
Respiratory Tract Infections ◽  
Upper Respiratory Tract Infections ◽  
System Response ◽  
Upper Respiratory Tract ◽  
Upper Respiratory ◽  
Immune System Response ◽  
Tract Infections ◽  
Heavy Training

Immunity is the consequence of a complex interaction between organs and the environment. It is mediated the interaction of several genes, receptors, molecules, hormones, cytokines, antibodies, antigens, and inflammatory mediators which in turn relate and influence the psychological health. The immune system response of heavily trained athletes resembles an even more complex conditions being theorized to follow a J or S shape dynamics at times. High training loads modify the immune response elevating the biological markers of immunity and the body susceptibility to infections. Heavy training and/or training in a cold environment increase the athletes’ risk to develop Upper Respiratory Tract Infections (URTIs). Therefore, athletes, who are considered healthier than the normal population, are in fact more prone to infections of the respiratory tract, due to lowering of the immune system in the time frames subsequent heavy training sessions. In this revision we will review the behavioral intervention, including nutritional approaches, useful to minimize the “open window” effect on infection and how to cope with stressors and boost the immune system in athletes.

Recurrent Infections

1989 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 180-182
Author(s):  
Richard Hong
Keyword(s):  
Immune System ◽  
Respiratory Tract ◽  
Respiratory Tract Infections ◽  
Respiratory Infections ◽  
Upper Respiratory Tract Infections ◽  
Upper Respiratory Tract ◽  
Recurrent Infections ◽  
Recurrent Respiratory Infections ◽  
Upper Respiratory ◽  
Tract Infections

Recurrent infections constitute a major challenge to primary care physicians. Primary immunodeficiency or other alterations of the host defense system are extremely rare. In the case of recurrent respiratory infections, particularly of the lungs, a diagnosis will result much more often from ordering a sweat chloride test than a serum immunoglobulin level. RECURRENT RESPIRATORY INFECTIONS The major reason for referral to our clinic for investigation of the immune system is a complaint of too many upper respiratory tract infections. Each respiratory infection in a young child means loss of sleep for child and parents, expenditure of time at the physician's office, and possible loss of income in addition to the expense of medication and office visits. The child is often irritable and his or her misery clouds the home atmosphere. With repeated episodes of this sort each year, it is small wonder that parents want relief. The average number of upper respiratory tract infections experienced by healthy children is approximately 9 to 10 per year. At least 100 viruses can cause the common cold. Accordingly, even when a child has a normal immune system establishing immunity to each virus or virus subtype, it can take many years for a broad enough immunity to develop to diminish the frequency of infection due to newly encountered respiratory viruses.

scholarly journals 871. Symptomatic Respiratory Syncytial Virus and Adenovirus Upper Respiratory Tract Infections Increase the Risk of Invasive Aspergillosis After Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation

2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (suppl_1) ◽  
pp. S24-S25 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chikara Ogimi ◽  
Angela P Campbell ◽  
Hu Xie ◽  
Cynthia Fisher ◽  
Jane Kuypers ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Respiratory Tract ◽  
Respiratory Tract Infections ◽  
Respiratory Virus ◽  
Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation ◽  
Upper Respiratory Tract ◽  
Research Support ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Upper Respiratory ◽  
Syncytial Virus ◽  
Tract Infections

Abstract Background Invasive aspergillosis (IA) is a serious infectious complication following hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). Few studies have reported respiratory viral infections (RVIs) as a risk factor for developing IA, and data regarding specific viruses is sparse. We examined whether specific respiratory viruses were associated with increased risk of developing IA post-HCT. Methods In a longitudinal surveillance study of RVIs among allogeneic HCT recipients conducted 2005–2010, weekly post-HCT nasal washes were collected through day 100, then every 3 months, and whenever respiratory symptoms occurred through 1 year post-HCT. Nasal and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) samples were tested by multiplex PCR for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), parainfluenza viruses (PIV)1–4, influenza A/B, human metapneumovirus, adenovirus (ADV), and human rhinoviruses, and coronaviruses. Only respiratory virus detections with symptoms were counted as RVI. Separate Cox proportional hazards models were used to examine adjusted associations between each RVI and the development of first proven/probable IA by 1-year post-HCT. Results Among 437 patients who survived >28 days following HCT, 39 patients developed IA by 1-year post-HCT (median 87 days, range 5–283). After adjusting for age at HCT, neutropenia, high-grade CMV viremia, and HLA status (matched related vs. others) or severe acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD Grade 0–2 vs. 3–4), RSV and ADV upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) were associated with increased risk of developing IA (figure). Detection of any respiratory virus in the BAL was associated with IA (P < 0.001). Conclusion RSV and ADV URTI are significant risk factors for development of IA post-HCT; the association between PIV URTI and development of IA approached statistical significance. Viral lower respiratory tract infection was associated with IA. Our data provide a rationale to assess IA as an endpoint in preventive studies of novel agents for respiratory viruses and further emphasize the importance of effective infection prevention practices for RVIs after HCT. Disclosures J. Chien, Gilead Sciences, Inc.: Employee and Shareholder, Salary and stocks. A. Waghmare, Ablynx: Investigator, Research support. J. Englund, Gilead: Consultant and Investigator, Consulting fee and Research support. Novavax: Investigator, Research support. GlaxoSmithKline: Investigator, Research support. Alios: Investigator, Research support. MedImmune: Investigator, Research support. M. Boeckh, Asun Biopharma: Consultant and Investigator, Consulting fee and Research support. Gilead Sciences: Consultant and Investigator, Consulting fee and Research support. Chimerix Inc.: Consultant and Investigator, Consulting fee and Research support. Humabs: Consultant, Consulting fee. GSK: Investigator, Research support.

scholarly journals Probiotics Effect on the Immune System

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonathan Cho Kin Ng
Keyword(s):  
Immune System ◽  
Side Effects ◽  
Respiratory Tract ◽  
Respiratory Tract Infections ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Upper Respiratory Tract Infections ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Upper Respiratory Tract ◽  
Upper Respiratory ◽  
Tract Infections

Abstract Background: Probiotics can provide health benefits to an individual by regulation of the immune system. Many clinical trials have found that probiotics can prevent upper respiratory tracts infections.Aim: To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of available trials to investigate the effectiveness of probiotics in the prevention of upper respiratory tract infections in individuals of all ages.Methods: A database search was carried out with databases ScienceDirect, Wiley, Springer, Medline and Pubmed. Completed randomised double blind, placebo-controlled trials were selected.Selection criteria: Randomised placebo-controlled trials, with the objective of investigating probiotic effectiveness in preventing URTIs.Results: Five randomised controlled trials were included, as the extracted data could be meta-analysed. This included a total of 785 participants of different age groups, children and adults. It was found that probiotics were better compared to placebo in reducing the number of participants who experienced acute upper respiratory tract infections. Probiotics were found to reduce the mean duration of acute URTI episodes, antibiotic use compared to placebo and URTI or cold related absence. Side effects and adverse effects were found to be minor and not statistically significant.Conclusions: Probiotics were found to be better in reducing the number of participants who experienced acute URTI, the average duration per episode of acute URTI, use of antibiotics in URTI related cases and absence due to URTI. Side effects were found to be minor, making probiotics a good candidate for clinical use. This shows that probiotics are effective in preventing acute URTIs. However, due to limited studies and small sample size, the results are subjected to bias and should be interpreted with care.

scholarly journals Upper respiratory tract infections and the immune system response. A review.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
ANTONIO CICCHELLA
Keyword(s):  
Immune System ◽  
Respiratory Tract ◽  
Time Frame ◽  
System Response ◽  
Upper Respiratory Tract ◽  
Nutritional Interventions ◽  
Social Interventions ◽  
Mediators Of Inflammation ◽  
Upper Respiratory ◽  
Tract Infections

Abstract Purpose: the spreading of the COVID-19 epidemic raised a question on why very well trained, healthy, and young athletes have been infected. In this review, the emerging topic in the field of sport immunology has been studied with the aim to provide advice on how strengthening the immune system (IS) and how to help the recover after heavy effort and prevent upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) in athletes. Methods: a literature search was performed on available public scientific databases. Results: URTI, a common illness among heavy trained athletes, happens in the time frame of temporary depression of the IS following heavy training or competition. T cells has been identified as the main factor in the immune response to counteract the cascade mediators of inflammation. Life habits, environmental and psycho-social factors such as sleep loss and life stressors are the major causes of IS depression, and it emerge that there is an optimal training load exposure which reinforce the IS, while too low or too much training being detrimental. Conclusions: immunodepression in heavy trained athletes can be counteracted with a proper distribution of training loads, nutritional interventions, correction of lifestyle habits such as sleep hygiene, thermotherapy, and recovery techniques. Psycho-social interventions also seem to have a positive effect on reducing the post exercise inflammation and in boosting the IS response. Novel bioinformatic approaches can help to understand the IS response in athletes and the management of critical situations.

scholarly journals Stimulating a Mature Body’s Defense System by Maintaining Physical Activity: A Literature Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 904-905
Author(s):  
Mary Murphy
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Immune System ◽  
Respiratory Tract ◽  
Older Adult ◽  
Inflammatory Markers ◽  
Acute Exercise ◽  
Moderate Exercise ◽  
Upper Respiratory Tract ◽  
Upper Respiratory ◽  
Tract Infections

Abstract This review provides summary of research findings on the effects of exercise for changes in the immune system most associated with aging. Immunosenescence is identified as an immune dysregulation with aging that leaves an older adult susceptible to infections and a host of immune-related disorders. Extrinsic modulators of immunosenescence include pathogens, mental stress, nutrition, and exercise. Moderate short acute exercise over time enhances the immune system. Heavy exertion or prolonged exercise bouts may contribute to immunosenescence. In one study, a J-curve result was identified for upper respiratory tract infection. A moderate exercise workload was associated with a 40-50% decrease in upper respiratory tract infections while a 2-6-fold increase was identified among individuals consistently completing heavy exertion. Transient increases of the inflammatory markers of C-reactive protein and Interleukin-6 are noted after excessive exercise. The older adult should consider small increments of change in an exercise load to limit exercise-induced inflammation. These same inflammatory markers are chronically expressed in obese individuals in a resting state. Strategies to manage weight within recommended range to avoid obesity will limit activation of proinflammatory immune cells. In conjunction with physical activity, the lifestyle behaviors that most support immune system health include adequate sleep, nutrition, hydration, and avoidance of excessive alcohol intake. When planning a safe moderate exercise workload, additionally consider hygienic practices to lower transmission of pathogens. Transmission decreases with hand washing, limited hand-to-face contact, distance from large crowds or those with cough, avoiding spaces with poor ventilation and update vaccinations.

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