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Reduced nutrients along with elevated levels of cortisol during stress or intense exercise can blunt immune responses during autumn & winter leading to susceptibility to mucosal infections both in the respiratory and digestive tracts. The purpose of nutritional immune formulas is to provide nutrients and herbal extracts that can contribute to regulating and modulating immune responses around mucosal barriers for both individuals with weakened immunity during stressful periods as well as for professional athletes during intense exercise. 

There is growing evidence that the composition of the intestinal microbiota, permeability and inflammation can influence susceptibility to chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. There is not sufficient information available about the co presence of intestinal permeability, microbiome dysbiosis and immune activation in inflammatory conditions in a clinical setting. The aim of this study is to understand if there is a correlation between certain commensal bacterial levels and faecal Immunoglobulin A (IgA) antibody levels with intestinal permeability. We therefore tested for the presence of elevated intestinal zonulin, microbiome dysbiosis and faecal IgA in patients with a variety of inflammatory related conditions.

The rescue of inactivated T-cells and other major lymphocytes from depletion in HIV-1 patients can impact the overall quality of HIV-1 infected individuals. By rescuing inactivated cells from TRAIL mediated apoptosis, the immune system will be more prepared to deal with other infections, which is the major cause of death from AIDS. This project has investigated the possible use of ostoeprotegerin (OPG) soluble decoy receptor to rescue T-cells in HIV-1 patients from killing by TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL). We tested the ability of OPG to rescue CD4+ T-cell line from HIV gp120 enhanced TRAIL mediated apoptosis. We also tested the ability of OPG to rescue naïve primary CD4+ T-cells as well as the rescue of lymphocytes from HIV infected donors from TRAIL mediated apoptosis.

Moderate-intensity exercise is associated with reduced incidence of upper respiratory tract infections (URTI), while heavy training by elite athletes renders them more susceptible to URTI. This can be attributed to the anti-inflammatory effects of exercise, that can induce immunosuppression. Other factors such as psychological stress, disturbed sleep and negative energy balance can enhance immunosuppression. Our project is to assess which HPA axis and immune markers are practical predictors of immune suppression monitors in elite athletes. In order to design natural treatment protocols that would timely intervene to reverse immune suppression.  

Human zonulin is a protein that increases permeability in the epithelial layer of the small intestine by modulating the intercellular tight junctions. There is not sufficient information available about the participation of zonulin in inflammatory conditions in a clinical setting. The aim of this study is to assess the relevance of integrating faecal zonulin tests as part of our initial patient assessment. We therefore tested for the presence of elevated intestinal zonulin and microbial infections in patients with a variety of inflammatory related conditions.