http://www.pubmedcen...i?artid=1810449
First off I invite all to read the above article before commenting, its not too long and worth it.
This is far from a clear cut topic. If you are not familiar with the immune system, cytokines, humoral immunity, innate immune system and the adaptive immune system then you should probably do a little reading. I usually am a critic of Wikipedia but it can often be helpful in some instances for a quick basic education on a topic (sometimes the detail in Wiki are not entirely accurate but the over all content is helpful) so if you are not familiar with the terms in the first sentence of the paragraph please read this Wikipedia article on the immune system: http://en.wikipedia....i/Immune_system
Some Other Relevant Background Information:
Inflammation is an integral part of the immune response. Inflammation is mediated by the cytokines, most of which are inflammatory (IL-10 is anti-inflammatory). Inflammation and circulating cytokines trigger other parts of the immune system that something nearby is a threat.
Low level inflammation has been implicated in many chronic diseases and as a factor in aging.
In general high levels of Cytokines = Inflammation and basically make you feel terrible. Think of the feeling you get when you are sick, sleep deprived or suffering from allergies.
TNF-alpha and IL-6 are the most studied of the cytokines.
TNF-alpha levels in particular are implicated in disease and in making one feel unwell.
Brief intense inflammation and spikes in cytokine levels are important for reducing long term low level inflammation. Exercise has the effect of greatly spiking IL-6 which is inflammatory but in the long run exercise reduces inflammation and circulation TNF-alpha levels.
Ok so what does this have to do with Resveratrol?
The article cited above clearly shows that Resveratrol and Curcumin suppress the immune system through reduction in the inflammatory cytokines. In general this would be a good thing as most people have low level inflammation, inflammation has been implicated in a wide range of diseases to be if not the cause, at least a very harmful participant. Furthermore long lived individuals show lower inflammation and lower cytokines. Exercise and CR reduce cytokine levels. The problems I see though are similar to the problems with any therapy that suppresses the immune system, namely a greater susceptibility to infection and a reduced capacity to fight infections.
So what do you guys think?
edit: spelin n' gramur
Edited by edward, 11 August 2008 - 11:14 PM.
