Eosinophil Immune Cells Are Capable Of Killing Colon Cancer Cells Researchers Say
- Date:
- American Friends of Tel Aviv University
- Summary:
- A new study finds that white blood cells which are responsible for chronic asthma and modern allergies may be used to eliminate malignant colon cancer cells.
A new Tel Aviv University study finds that eosinophils — white blood cells that may have played an evolutionary role in combating parasites, but which are today responsible for chronic asthma and modern allergies — may be used to eliminate malignant colon cancer cells.
The research was led by Prof. Ariel Munitz of the Department of Microbiology and Clinical Immunology at TAU’s Sackler School of Medicine and conducted by TAU doctoral student Hadar Reichman of Prof. Munitz’s TAU laboratory, in collaboration with colleagues in Tel Aviv Medical Center’s Gastroenterology Department. It was published in Cancer Immunology Research on January 21.
“Eosinophils are white blood cells that secrete powerfully destructive proteins,” Prof. Munitz says. “They may have played an evolutionary role in combatting parasites. But now that most people, particularly in the West, enjoy good hygiene and few parasites, the eosinophils have become destructive agents, causing allergies and asthma.
“Our new research theorized that since eosinophils are capable of killing parasites and can cause damage in the lungs of asthma patients, they might play a role in cancer treatment and would be able to kill tumor cells.”
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High White Blood Cell Count
If a persons body is producing more white blood cells than it should be, doctors call this leukocytosis.
A high white blood cell count may indicate the following medical conditions:
- allergic responses, such as due to an asthma attack
- those that may cause cells to die, such as burns, heart attack, and trauma
- inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, or vasculitis
- infections, such as with bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites
Surgical procedures that cause cells to die can also cause a high white blood cell count.
Preparing For White Blood Cell Count Test
With many medical tests, there are various things you have to do to prepare such as fasting or drinking a special liquid to make certain things show up under a microscope or X-ray. In the case of a white blood cell count test, there isnt much to do. You arrange for the test, and you have your blood drawn. You should advise your doctor about what medications that you are taking in case they interfere with the tests results. Medications that may alter the results of a white blood cell count include:
Antibiotics
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Is There Anything Else I Should Know
Intense exercise or severe emotional or physical stress can increase a WBC count, but the test is not used to evaluate these conditions. Pregnancy in the final month and labor may also be associated with increased WBC levels.
In the U.S. population, WBC counts are related to ones age, sex, ethnicity, and smoking status. It is not uncommon for the elderly to fail to develop high WBC count as a response to infection.
There are many types of medications that cause both increased and decreased WBC counts.
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Elevated White Blood Cell Counts
Infections usually cause an elevated white blood cell count, but there are also other possible causes. WBC counts can be increased by overproduction. In other words, the body may release white blood cells early from the bone marrow.
Stress of any form can result in this release of white blood cells. Some causes of an increased white blood cell count include:
- Infections
- Cancers such as leukemias, lymphomas, and myelomas, in which a greater number of white blood cells are manufactured
- Asthma and allergies
- Exercise
In severe infections, immature white blood cells called blasts may be present. Blasts often appear when the body attempts to get white blood cells on the scene quickly.
Low White Blood Cell Count Not Always A Sign Of Medical Problem
Dear Mayo Clinic:
I was told after my recent physical that my white blood cell count was low. Is this something to be concerned about? Am I more susceptible to catch colds or viruses?
Answer:A low white blood cell count can sometimes be a sign of an underlying medical problem, but not always. First, it’s important to determine what your health care provider means by “low.” Not all medical laboratories use the same range to decide what’s normal and what’s not. Second, you need to consider factors such as your age, gender and ethnic group. Some groups of people just have naturally lower white blood cell levels than others. If your white blood cell count is truly lower than it should be, then further investigation is warranted to uncover the root cause.
As part of your immune system, white blood cells fight disease and are important for the body’s defense against infections. A chronically low white blood cell count can make you vulnerable to bacterial infections and could signal a serious health problem. Before you start investigating the cause of a low white blood cell count, though, it’s important to discuss with your doctor what your test results mean
Rajiv Pruthi, M.B.B.S., Hematology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn.
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How Elevated White Blood Cells Can Affect You
Your doctors have determined that, for some reason, you have an elevated white blood cell count. We know it may indicate an underlying condition in your body, but what does that actually mean for your physical health? What can the elevated white blood cells do on their own?
People who are suffering from elevated white blood cells may also end up suffering from symptoms like fever, fainting, bruising, weight loss, general pain, and even, in some extreme cases, bleeding. This is due to the white blood cells function in the body. If the white blood cells are busy attacking a virus or infection, they may be so focused on the big fight that they miss out on other issues that come up at the same time.
With this being said, is there anything you can do to get your white blood cells back down to normal levels? Is there a diet or certain foods that can help bring your white blood cells levels back down?
What Is Considered High Or Elevated White Blood Cell Count
Dr. Hina Naushad, a hematopathologist from Creighton Medical Center, says that an elevated WBC count is when the total number of leukocytes is more than 11.0 x 109 per L.
To help doctors diagnose correctly medical conditions that cause WBC levels to jump, they may also check for levels of the 5 major types of white blood cells. Abnormal levels of these white blood cells are results that are out of the following range:3
- Neutrophils: 2.5 to 7.5 x 109 per L
- Lymphocytes: 1.5 to 3.5 x 109 per L
- Monocytes: 0.2 to 0.8 x 109 per L
- Eosinophils: 0.04 to 0.4 x 109 per L
- Basophils: 0.01 to 0.1 x 109 per L
Testing for these types of white blood cells is sometimes called a differential white blood test.
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Elevated White Blood Cell Count: Causes Treatments And More
Jenny Hills, Nutritionist and Medical Writer Health
Doctors test for white blood cell count to measure the number of white blood cells in your body. This blood test is usually done as part of a standard complete blood count test. White blood cells are also called leukocytes and they are part of your immune system. They attack germs, bacteria, and microbes that can cause infections or inflammation. White blood cells can be divided into five main types: neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils.
Usually, blood test results show elevated white blood cell count if you are fighting an infection or have an inflammatory condition. Pregnancy can also cause a high or slightly elevated white blood cell count. However, other factors like stress, smoking, or allergies can elevate your white blood cell count. Doctors also check for abnormal WBC levels if they suspect an autoimmune condition, blood disorder, or problem with your immune system.
There are not always obvious symptoms if your white blood cell count is outside the normal range. A high white blood cell count could be accompanied by symptoms of a viral infection or allergic reaction like fatigue, runny nose, coughing, or digestive upset. There are also some medical conditions that cause your white blood cell count to drop lower than normal.
What Is The Outlook For Eosinophilia
Treating the cause of high eosinophil counts affects the outcome. In more serious conditions, outcomes also depend on the extent of target organ and how the person responds to treatment.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 02/15/2018.
References
- Fulkerson PC, Rothenberg ME. Targeting Eosinophils in Allergy, Inflammation and Beyond. Nature reviews Drug discovery. 2013 12:10.1038/nrd3838. doi:10.1038/nrd3838.
- Common Laboratory Tests. In: LeBlond RF, Brown DD, Suneja M, Szot JF. LeBlond R.F., Brown D.D., Suneja M, Szot J.F. Eds. Richard F. LeBlond, et al.eds. DeGowinâs Diagnostic Examination, 10e New York, NY: McGraw-Hill 2014.
- Merck Manual Professional Version. Accessed 3/2/2018.Eosinophilia.
- American Partnership for Eosinophilic Disorders. Accessed 3/2/2018.What is an eosinophil-associated disease?
- Hsieh, Fred H Eosinophilia and the Hypereosinophilic Syndrome. In: _eLS. John Wiley & Sons, Ltd: _Chichester. doi: 10.1002/9780470015902.a0002155.pub2
- Kovalszki A, Weller PF. Eosinophilia. Primary care. 2016 43:607-617. doi:10.1016/j.pop.2016.07.010.
- Rothenberg ME. Eosinophilia. N Engl J Med. 1998 338:1592-600.
- Butt, N. M., Lambert, J., Ali, S., Beer, P. A., Cross, N. C. P., Duncombe, A., Ewing, J., Harrison, C. N., Knapper, S., McLornan, D., Mead, A. J., Radia, D., Bain, B. J. and the British Committee for Standards in Haematology , Guideline for the investigation and management of eosinophilia. Br J Haematol, 176: 553â572. doi:10.1111/bjh.14488
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High White Blood Cell Count Symptoms
Raised white blood cell count is itself asymptomatic and therefore any associated features, if present, will typically be associated with the underlying cause. For example, a leukocytosis caused by leukemia may be accompanied by fatigue, general malaise and easy bruising.
There are no symptoms that can reliably indicate the presence of a raised white cell count. Doctors will usually consider carrying out an investigation to include the blood count if the symptoms described by a patient suggest that a blood count could be helpful to make a diagnosis.
How To Increase White Blood Cell Count Broccoli
Broccoli is a great supply of minerals and vitamins. Packed with vitamin E, C and A, and numerous antioxidants, this vegetable is one of the best foods you should put on the dinner table in order to improve the immune system. The key to holding fully its power intact is just cooking it as little as possible. It is even advised that eating raw broccoli is the best way to enjoy this vegetable without wasting its properties. If you still dont know to increase white blood cell count, dont hesitate to give broccoli a try.
See more: Bell Pepper Recipes
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How To Increase White Blood Cell Count Vitamin C
One of the best vitamins that will enhance the immune system is vitamin C. It is found naturally in most of the fruits, especially oranges and lemons. This vitamin can also be obtained in supplement form with inexpensive price. Vitamin C enhances the immune system by raising white blood cell count as well as antibodies that actually fight bacteria and viruses. For those benefits, it is a great choice for anyone who wants to learn how to increase white blood cell count at home. You do not have to add too much vitamin C amount in order to get a boost in the immune system. Around 200 mg daily is sufficient. You can easily get it just by eating a variety of fruits and vegetables during the daily diet. In case you opt for supplements, spread the dosage out and apply as the recommended of your doctor.
Read More: Vitamin C Rich Foods
Pros And Cons Of Allergy Blood Tests
Advantages of allergy blood tests include:
- Can be done at any time, regardless of any medications you are taking
- Requires only one needle stick this may be more attractive for people who are afraid of needles. Allergy blood testing is the preferred test for infants and very young children.
Disadvantages of allergy blood tests include:
- More expensive than skin testing many health insurers do not cover allergy blood tests.
- May be less sensitive than skin tests
- Takes days or weeks to get results because the blood sample must be sent to a laboratory for evaluation skin testing provides immediate results.
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Stress Drug Reactions And Smoking
Severe physical or emotional stress can also cause an increased WBC count, including stress caused by overexertion and anxiety. Based on a 2012 research review published in the journal “Exercise Immunology Review,” exercise and stress can increase levels of the adrenal hormone cortisol and other hormones 1. These hormones are thought to be responsible for recruiting WBCs into the bloodstream.
Some medications, including certain drugs used to treat inflammation, mental health conditions and cancer, can also lead to increased WBC release into the blood. For example, a study in the December 2001 issue of the “British Journal of Haematology” suggests that lithium — a drug used to treat bipolar disorder — signals the immune system to produce more WBCs. Smoking can also affect the bone marrow and cause increased release of certain types of WBCs, potentially increasing the white blood cell count.
- Severe physical or emotional stress can also cause an increased WBC count, including stress caused by overexertion and anxiety.
- Some medications, including certain drugs used to treat inflammation, mental health conditions and cancer, can also lead to increased WBC release into the blood.
Symptoms Of Elevated White Blood Cell Count
According to the American Association for Clinical Chemistry, symptoms and signs that a person has elevated WBC are usually associated with an infection. Therefore, you may show signs like:4
- Body aches and pains
- Signs of inflammation around your joints
- Fever
- A cough that brings up yellow or green phlegm
Sometimes, you may have higher than normal or slightly elevated white blood cell count without any symptom. If this is the case, your doctor will usually arrange for a second WBC blood test to determine the reason.
Doctors may also test for signs of leukocytes in urine and stool to help diagnose digestive disorders or urinary tract infections.
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High White Blood Cell Count: 22 Causes Symptoms Diagnosis 9 Treatments
High white blood cell count can be caused by simple causes like infection and also by serious disorders like blood cancers. So, lets find out what all causes it.
Our Blood system consists of four main components, White Blood cells, Red blood cells, Plasma and platelets.
Red blood cells are responsible for transportation of oxygen, Carbon dioxide, nutrients and wastes around your body. Platelets help in clotting when an injury occurs. Plasma is the liquid part of blood.
Contents
What are White Blood Cells?
White Blood cells also go by the name Leukocytes. They possess nuclei, unlike Red Blood cells and platelets. Their presence in blood is only 1%. But White Blood cells are responsible for one of the biggest function in the body, defending the body against intruding microbes and pathogens that constantly try to enter your body.
Sometimes a body experiences High white blood cell count. This means that there is an infection and White blood cells are multiplying to improve defences.
High white blood cell count may be temporary or permanent. Usually, the WBC levels are temporary come back to normal in few hours or days.
However, if the count remains higher for longer periods, it denotes alarming health problems in the body. To understand the causes behind these high levels you need to first know the more about WBCs and its functions.
White Blood Cells and Their function:
Production and storage:
How do you determine if there is a High White blood cell Count in the body?
Smoking:
What Causes Eosinophilia
Causes range from less serious but very common conditions such as nasal allergy and asthma to more serious hematologic conditions, including:
- Allergies and asthma
- Diseases involving organs and systems, including the:
- Skin
- Joints, muscles and connective tissue
- Heart
Eosinophilic disorders are often called by names that reflect where the problem is located. These include:
- Eosinophilic cystitis, a disorder of the bladder
- Eosinophilic fasciitis, a disorder of the fascia, or the connective tissue throughout the body
- Eosinophilic pneumonia, a disorder of the lungs
- Eosinophilic colitis, a disorder of the colon
- Eosinophilic esophagitis, a disorder of the esophagus
- Eosinophilic gastritis, a disorder of the stomach
- Eosinophilic gastroenteritis, a disorder of both the stomach and the small intestine
The last four types on the list are known as eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders . This category of disease is increasing. Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis involves the lungs, heart, sinuses, and other organs. It is also known as Churg-Strauss syndrome. Another condition is hypereosinophilic syndrome, which is a primary hematologic disorder involving the blood and other organs.
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