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Issue # 61.2 - Immune SystemCan good bacteria kill bad bacteria? The interest in probiotics (friendly bacteria) has grown rapidly over the last few years and this study was designed to investigate their effects on reducing intestinal infection. Escherichia coli (E.coli) has been known to induce intestinal injury which may lead to conditions such as diarrhoea. Human intestinal cells were exposed to E.coli and/or probiotics, including Lactobacillus acidophilus, and they were assessed for pathogenic adhesion. The results showed that the live probiotic bacterial strain interacted with intestinal cells to protect them from the harmful effect of E.coli by interfering with its adhesion to the intestinal cell membrane. Gut. 2003 Jul; 52(7): 988-97 Can Green Tea boost immunity? A recent study, carried out by Liverpool John Moores University, was designed to investigate the effects of a Green Tea extract on the immune response. Neutrophils, which are white blood cells involved in the human immune system, were used in this study and the production of superoxide (SO) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) was measured to assess bacteria fighting activity. SO and MPO are released by the neutrophils when they detect the presence of pathogenic bacteria. The results of the study showed that the neutrophils which were treated with the green tea extract produced more SO and MPO than the control cells. These results show that the use of a Green Tea extract could be used to boost immunity for those under an increase level of stress. Journal of Nutraceuticals, Functional and Medical Foods, Vol. 4(1) 2003. |