Saudi Study.. Anxiety Impairs Your First Line of Defense Against Disease

 

Anxiety and Stres 

Saudi Study.. Anxiety Impairs Your First Line of Defense Against Disease

A recent scientific study conducted in Saudi Arabia has revealed a worrying link between anxiety, insomnia, and stress disorders, and a decrease in the number of immune cells known as "natural killer" (NK) cells, which are among the most important lines of defense in the human body.

These cells are a crucial part of the immune system, as they are responsible for destroying pathogens and infected cells before they spread. A deficiency in NK cells directly weakens immunity and increases susceptibility to disease, according to a report published by the international scientific website MedicalXpress.

The study, published in the prestigious journal Frontiers in Immunology, focused on 60 female students aged between 17 and 23. Anxiety and insomnia disorders were diagnosed through self-administered questionnaires, while blood samples were analyzed to determine the levels and subtypes of NK cells.

A Significant Decline in Immune Defenses

The results showed that 53% of participants experienced symptoms related to insomnia, while 75% reported symptoms of anxiety, ranging from moderate to severe. Analysis of blood samples revealed that students experiencing insomnia had a decrease in the total number of NK cells and the proportions of their subtypes.

In contrast, the results were even more pronounced among those suffering from anxiety. This group showed a significant decrease in circulating immune cells, which are crucial for protecting the body from infection. The severity of anxiety also played a role, with the percentage of immune cells decreasing even further in those with moderate or severe symptoms.

The significance of this decrease stems from the vital role of two types of NK cells, including CD16+CD56dim, which are the most prevalent and responsible for directly killing infected cells, and CD16+CD56high, which are less numerous but responsible for producing proteins that regulate the immune response.

Public Health Implications

Lead researcher Dr. Renad Al-Hamawi from Taibah University noted that "a decline in these cells can lead to immune system dysfunction, which may increase the risk of developing diseases, including cancer and mental health disorders such as depression." She added that understanding the impact of psychological stress on the distribution and function of immune cells may help in the future to explain some of the mechanisms of inflammation and tumor development.

However, despite the importance of the findings, the study emphasized its limitations due to the sample size being limited to a specific age group of females, a group that experiences a significant increase in anxiety and sleep disorders. Therefore, the researchers call for expanding the scope of future studies to include both genders and different age groups.

Quality of Life is a Crucial Factor

Previous studies have indicated that adopting a healthy lifestyle (including physical activity, regular sleep, stress reduction, and a balanced diet) can enhance the number and function of NK cells. However, persistent anxiety and insomnia may disrupt the immune system's functioning and increase the risk of chronic and inflammatory diseases.

Al-Hamawi concluded that "the negative effects of anxiety and insomnia are not limited to mental health only, but extend to undermining the immune system, which makes treating these disorders essential to maintaining quality of life."