Role of the autonomic nervous system and lipoperoxidation in immunotropic effects of nitrogenous metabolites in patients with postradiation encephalopathia

Abstract

Background. We have previously shown that nitrogenous metabolites have immunomodulatory effects, both suppressor and enhancing, both in healthy rats and in humans exposed to pathogenic influences. The immunomodulatory effect of bilirubin is probably mediated through aryl hydrocarbon receptors, and uric acid through TL- and adenosine receptors of immune cells. The question of mediators of the immunomodulatory action of urea and creatinine remains open. We hypothesized the mediating role of mediators of the autonomic nervous system. A strong correlation was found between the constellation of nitrogenous metabolites, on the one hand, and the HRV markers of ANS, on the other hand. The aim of this study is to analyze the relationships between HRV markers of the parameters of the ANS as well as Lipoperoxidation, on the one hand, and the parameters of Immunity - on the other hand. Material and methods. The object of observation in 1997 were 19 men and 3 women who were exposed to pathogenic factors of the accident at the Chоrnobyl nuclear power plant during the liquidation of its consequences in 1986-87. The survey was conducted twice - on admission and after two weeks of rehabilitation at the Truskavets’ Spa. The state of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) was judged by the HRV parameters recorded before and after submaximal bicycle ergometric loading. The state of lipid peroxidation assessed the content in the serum diene conjugates, malonic dyaldehid, activity of catalase serum and superoxide dismutase erythrocytes. Results. The coefficient of canonical correlation between the constellation of HRV markers of ANS and parameters of Immunity was 0,947 (χ²₍₁₂₆₎=178; p=0,002) The inclusion in factor structure parameters of Lipoperoxidation increases R to 0,973 (χ²₍₂₃₁₎=314; p<10^-6). Conclusion. Previously identified immunomodulatory effects of urea and creatinine as well as uric acid and bilirubin are realized, possibly, through cholinergic and adrenergic mechanisms as well as reactive oxygen species.