Risk factor – lymphopenia
A low level of lymphocytes signals the risk of premature death
Maria Azarova, Naked Science
A decrease in the number of lymphocytes in the blood – the main cells of the immune system, a protective mechanism against any pathologies, bacteria or viruses – indicates the risk of developing almost any chronic disease, as well as premature death. This was reported by a team of Danish scientists whose study was published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal (Warny et al., Accidental lymphopenia and mortality: a prospective cohort study). The authors of the work are confident that the data obtained will help doctors diagnose dangerous symptoms in a person at an early stage and begin treatment.
In addition to direct protection, lymphocytes play a crucial role in stimulating other immune responses and help the body, in particular, recover from infections. There are three types of lymphocytes: NK-lymphocytes (natural killers), which are responsible for the destruction of infected and cancer cells; T-lymphocytes, which kill abnormal cells, and also work together with B-lymphocytes in the transmission of signaling proteins. Reduced levels of any of these cell types can not only weaken the immune system, but also provide an unobstructed path to bacteria and viruses.
The lack of white cells that are present in the blood and lymphatic fluid is called lymphopenia or lymphocytopenia. This condition usually occurs in the case of an infection present in the body or if a person is sick. Therefore, doctors check for symptoms and prescribe tests for diagnostics that would reveal the underlying problem. However, the importance of tracking the level of lymphocytes in the blood is usually ignored.
The aim of the new study was to study the role of diagnosis and treatment of lymphopenia in reducing the risk of premature death. The main argument was tested in the work: that a low level of lymphocytes in the blood serves as a signal of an increased risk of death in each person. Scientists analyzed the data of 108,135 Danes aged 20 years and older. Information about them was obtained as part of the Copenhagen Population Survey for 2003-2015. About 10,372 people died during the analysis.
As a result, experts found that the lack of lymphocytes was associated with a 2.8-fold increased risk of death from chronic and respiratory diseases, cancer, and heart disease. In general, mortality from any cause with a reduced level of these cells in the blood increased 1.6 times.
"Our study showed that participants in the experiment who had lymphopenia had a 60 percent increased risk of dying from any cause–compared to people whose lymphocyte levels were normal–regardless of any other factors, including age, gender, weight, bad habits, and so on."- says Stig Boyesen, an employee of the Copenhagen University Hospital.
As the authors of the work explain, a drop in the level of lymphocytes means that the body cannot recover and fight for its survival if its host suffers from a dangerous disease, which causes an increased risk of death. The results of the study will help to know in advance that a person has an increased risk of premature death (especially if we are talking about an elderly patient), and start treatment on time.
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