Effects of dietary supplementation on the function of alveolar macrophages of silicosis rats, on the blastogenic response of lymphocytes and on the peroxidase activity in blood of silicosis patients

J Environ Pathol Toxicol Oncol. 1994;13(3):209-12.

Abstract

We studied the effects of a nutrient supplemented diet on the function of alveolar macrophages of silicosis rats and on the blastogenic response of lymphocytes, glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) activity, and lipid peroxidase (LPO) activity in the blood of silicosis patients. The results showed that a nutrient supplemented diet increased the phagocytosis rate (p < 0.01) and index (p < 0.05) of alveolar macrophages of silicosis rats. A nutrient supplemented diet also enhanced significantly the GSH-PX activity (p < 0.001) and the blastogenic response of lymphocytes (p < 0.01), and decreased substantially the LPO content (p < 0.05) in the blood of silicosis patients. We conclude that a nutrient supplemented diet may play an important role in antilipid peroxidation, decreased free radical reaction, stabilizing cell membrane, delaying lung fibrosis, and enhancing immune functions of the body.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Food, Fortified*
  • Glutathione Peroxidase / blood*
  • Humans
  • Lipid Peroxidation
  • Lymphocyte Activation* / drug effects*
  • Macrophages, Alveolar / immunology*
  • Male
  • Rats
  • Rats, Wistar
  • Silicosis / blood*
  • Silicosis / enzymology
  • Silicosis / immunology

Substances

  • Glutathione Peroxidase