Antioxidants Immune system

Selenium is an essential trace element in the human body. This nutrient is an important part of antioxidant enzymes that protect cells against the effects of free radicals that are produced during normal oxygen metabolism. Selenium is also essential for normal functioning of immune system and thyroid gland. 

Passwalcr. R.A. and S. Davis Beia-Cannene and Other Carotenoids The Antioxidant homily That Protects against Cancer arul Heart Disease and Slrengthens the Immune System. Reals Publishing. Inc.. Chicago, II.. 1999. 

Since lycopene lacks the (3-ionic ring structure, unlike (3-carotene, it lacks provitamin A activity. The biological activity of lycopene is thought to be primarily due to its antioxidant properties. However, other mechanisms, such as facilitating gap junction communication (GJC) (Aust et al, 2003 Heber, 2002 Wertz et al, 2004 Zhang et al, 1991, 1992), stimulation of the immune system (Chew and Park, 2004 Heber, 2002 Heber and Lu, 2002 Kim et al, 2004 Wertz et al, 2004), endocrine-mediated pathways... 

SAR studies on melatonin analogues showed that methoxy and amido moieties are important for binding to melatonin receptors various substituents on the 2nd position of the indole ring enhance the binding affinity [52-54]. The conformational flexibility of the C-3 ethylamido side chain is probably responsible for the broad spectrum of biological activities. As a powerful antioxidant melatonin was shown to have significantly broader actions including oncostatic effects [55], immune system stimulation [56], and antiinflammatory functions [57,58]. 

Some authors claim that liposaccharides can depress the content of TNF-a and increase the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase, thus—via mediators—they can affect the immune system (Can et al. 2003). It has been demonstrated that the NF-p transcription factor, (highly sensitive to the redox potential in its environment), which regulates synthesis of many mediators—cytokines, associated with inflammatory condition and the phenomenon of adhesion of cells— becomes deregulated in old age. Defense functions in such cases (and primarily in arthritis and arthritis-related conditions) are said to be performed by antioxidants (including a-lipoic acid), which can modulate the activity of monocytes and inhibit changes caused by deregulating of the transcription factor NF-kB under the influence of redox conditions in elderly people (Lee and Hughes 2002). 

Portulaca oleracea commonly known as purslane belongs to the family Portulacaceae and is an herbaceous cosmopolitan weed. P. oleracea is one of the major sources of omega-3 fatty acids and was found to produce beneficial effects on cholesterol and triglyceride levels in heart disease and in strengthening the immune system. The plant also possesses marked antioxidant activity (Reid, 1986 Chevallier, 1996 Hocking, 1997). 

Apart from its use in cooking and cosmetics, it has a number of documented medicinal uses it has effects on the gastrointestinal system, reproductive system, nervous system and immune system and hypoglycaemic, hypolipidaemic, antimicrobial, antioxidant and chemoprotective activity. 

As noted previously, Zn has an important role in numerous critical biochemical processes, including immunity. In addition to the positive effects of Zn supplementation, various antioxidant vitamins have been shown to stimulate the immune system. Thus, supplementation of elderly individuals with a combination of vitamins A, C, and E showed significant improvement in the following cell-mediated responses (P12) (a) increased total number of circulating T-cells (b) increased the number of helper (CD4+) T-cells (c) increased helper-to-cytotoxic cell ratio (CD4+ to CD8+) and (d) increased total number of lymphocytes in response to phytohemagglutinin. Others (M12), in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study of an elderly group supplemented with vitamin E, demonstrated (a) increased... 

Use and exposure Zinc is available as a silver or bluish-white foil or powder. It is incompatible with amines, cadmium, sulfur, chlorinated solvents, strong acids, and strong bases. The important use of zinc is to coat iron or steel in a process called galvanization to prevent rust. Zinc powder is very flammable. Zinc is another essential micronutrient that is important in immunity and antioxidation. Zinc is an essential mineral that is found in almost every cell function. It stimulates the activity of approximately 100 enzymes, which are substances that promote biochemical reactions in the body. Zinc supports a healthy immune system that the body requires for wound healing. It helps to maintain a sense of taste and smell and is needed for DNA synthesis. Zinc supports normal growth and development during pregnancy, childhood, and adolescence. ... 

---