Changes in cellular immunity after administration of nucleotides

BACKGROUND: Nucleotide deficiency in the diet of experimental animals reduces cellular immunity, and conversely it is assumed that an increased intake could improve the immunity also in humans. METHODS AND RESULTS: The authors administered to 12 women with malignant tumours the dietetic preparation Preventan containing nucleotides, 1 x 1 mg/day, and followed up for four weeks some immunological parameters. There was a considerable decline of CRP and conversely an increase in the number of T-lymphocytes (CD3+), T-lymphocyte helpers (CD4+) and suppressor/cytotoxic T-lymphocytes (CD8+), almost to double values. There was also an increase of the cytotoxic activation and activated T-lymphocytes. As to parameters of humoral immunity, except for a small rise of IgG, no major changes were recorded and the number of B-lymphocytes did not change (CD19). CONCLUSIONS: Supplementation with a dietetic preparation containing nucleotides increases the number of T-lymphocytes, their sub-populations and their activation, and thus has a favourable impact on cell-mediated immunity as apparent from the marked decline of CRP.