       Document 0859
 DOCN  M9550859
 TI    [Pathogenetic mechanisms responsible for producing a secondary
       immunodeficiency state]
 DT    9505
 AU    Corti G; Paradisi F; Clinica Malattie Infettive, Universita di Firenze.
 SO    J Chemother. 1994 Aug;6 Suppl 3:6-10. Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE
       MED/95165198
 AB    Abnormalities of the immune response can be secondary to old age, to
       several pathologic conditions (i.e. diabetes mellitus, renal failure,
       solid and lymphohematologic neoplasias, leukopenia, malnutrition,
       autoimmune diseases, AIDS), to surgical stress or to burns, and to
       immunosuppressive therapies, both medical (corticosteroids, cytotoxic
       agents, antilymphocytic globulins) and surgical (splenectomy) as well as
       radiant (extensive radiotherapy). Old age can affect both humoral
       (reduced antibody synthesis) and cell-mediated (thymus involution,
       diminished ratio Th/Ts, depression of both delayed hypersensitivity
       reactions and cytotoxic activity of K cells) immune response.
       Hyponutrition, often observed in the elderly, adds a reduced production
       of secretory IgA, lysozyme and interferon, diminished complementary
       activity, phagocytosis defects, and vitamin deficits. Furthermore, in
       some chronic diseases we can observe reduced primary antibody response
       or depression of delayed hypersensitivity reactions (renal failure,
       neoplasias), changes in leukocyte functions (diabetes mellitus,
       leukemias and lymphomas) and, in particular in solid neoplasias,
       increased activity of Ts lymphocytes and the presence of circulating
       immunocomplexes. Changes in phagocytosis, opsonization and chemotaxis
       are typically seen in burns, whereas surgical stress can cause some
       inhibition of cell-mediated immunity. Finally, after splenectomy it is
       possible to observe an increased synthesis of IgA and IgG and, on the
       contrary, reduced production of IgM and properdin.
 DE    Age Factors  Aged  Bacterial Infections/COMPLICATIONS  English Abstract
       Human  Immunologic Deficiency Syndromes/*ETIOLOGY/IMMUNOLOGY
       Immunosuppression/ADVERSE EFFECTS  Infant, Newborn
       Neoplasms/COMPLICATIONS  Nutrition Disorders/COMPLICATIONS
       Splenectomy/ADVERSE EFFECTS  Virus Diseases/COMPLICATIONS  Wounds and
       Injuries/COMPLICATIONS  JOURNAL ARTICLE

       SOURCE: National Library of Medicine.  NOTICE: This material may be
       protected by Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.Code).

