Association between perceived social support and Th1 dominance

Biol Psychol. 2005 Sep;70(1):30-7. doi: 10.1016/j.biopsycho.2004.09.004.

Abstract

Social support is supposed to have a positive health effect via alteration of immunity. In this study, associations between perceived social support and immune systems were examined. Immunological assessments, e.g. T cell count, Natural Killer cell count, Interferon-gamma, Interleukin-4, and psychological assessments, e.g. Generic Job Stress Questionnaire were conducted on male employees. Two-way (social support x job stressor) analyses of covariance controlling for age, smoking, alcohol consumption, and exercise revealed that there were main effects of perceived social support on NK cell counts, IL-4, and Th1/Th2 balance. On the other hand, interaction effects were observed on T cell counts and INF-gamma production in vitro. Social support affects immune function in a way that is consistent with both the direct and buffering hypotheses depending on the sources of support and the immune parameter.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • CD4 Antigens / blood
  • Flow Cytometry
  • Humans
  • Interferon-gamma / blood
  • Interleukin-4 / blood
  • Killer Cells, Natural / metabolism*
  • Leukocyte Count
  • Male
  • Motor Activity / physiology
  • Perception*
  • Smoking
  • Social Support*
  • Stress, Psychological / blood*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer / metabolism*
  • Workplace / psychology*

Substances

  • CD4 Antigens
  • Interleukin-4
  • Interferon-gamma