Immunosenescence in persons with spinal cord injury in relation to urinary tract infections -a cross-sectional study-

Immunity & Ageing, 2017 · DOI: 10.1186/s12979-017-0103-6 · Published: October 20, 2017

Simple Explanation

This study looks at the immune system of people with spinal cord injuries (SCI) to see if it shows signs of aging faster than normal. The researchers compared the immune cells and other markers in blood and urine samples from people with SCI and able-bodied individuals. The study found that people with SCI had fewer new immune cells, more old immune cells, and a higher rate of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection compared to people without SCI. People with SCI over 60 had more urinary tract infections (UTIs) compared to those under 60. The researchers conclude that the immune system in people with SCI shows signs of being strained and aging prematurely. They did not find strong evidence that UTIs directly cause this, but they suggest that any effects of UTIs on the immune system might be limited to the urinary tract.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

169 (85 with SCI, 84 able-bodied controls)

Evidence Level

Cross-sectional study

Key Findings

1
People with SCI showed lower proportions of naïve T-cells and more memory T-cells compared to age-matched controls, indicating a shift towards an older immune profile.
2
SCI participants had reduced T-cell proliferation and higher CMV prevalence, suggesting increased immunological strain.
3
Older SCI participants had a higher prevalence of UTIs compared with younger SCI persons, indicating increased susceptibility to infections with age.

Research Summary

This cross-sectional study compared immune parameters between individuals with SCI and able-bodied controls, finding that those with SCI exhibited traits of premature immunosenescence, including lower proportions of naïve T-cells, increased memory T-cells, and reduced T-cell proliferation. The study also found a higher prevalence of CMV in SCI participants and a higher prevalence of UTI in older SCI participants, suggesting an increased immunological strain and susceptibility to infections. While the role of UTI in premature immunosenescence remains unclear, the study suggests that the impact of UTI on the immune system might be compartmentalized and locally restricted to the urinary tract.

Practical Implications

Infection Prevention

Increased vigilance for infections, especially UTIs, is crucial for people with SCI, particularly as they age.

Immune Monitoring

Regular monitoring of immune function in individuals with SCI could help identify those at risk of immune frailty and allow for early intervention.

Targeted Interventions

Further research is needed to explore interventions that can mitigate the effects of immunosenescence in people with SCI, such as targeted vaccination strategies or immune-boosting therapies.

Study Limitations

1
Cross-sectional design limits the ability to establish causal relationships.
2
Wide range of SCI lesion levels may introduce variability.
3
Focus primarily on the adaptive immune system, with limited data on the innate immune system and B-cells.

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