Energetics and the immune system: Trade-offs associated with non-acute levels of CRP in adolescent Gambian girls
View/ Open
Author
Prentice, Andrew M.
Moore, Sophie E.
Published Version
https://doi.org/10.1093/emph/eow034Metadata
Show full item recordCitation
Shattuck-Heidorn, Heather, Meredith W. Reiches, Andrew M. Prentice, Sophie E. Moore, and Peter T. Ellison. 2017. “Energetics and the immune system: Trade-offs associated with non-acute levels of CRP in adolescent Gambian girls.” Evolution, Medicine, and Public Health 2017 (1): 27-38. doi:10.1093/emph/eow034. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/emph/eow034.Abstract
Abstract Background and objectives: The human immune system is an ever-changing composition of innumerable cells and proteins, continually ready to respond to pathogens or insults. The cost of maintaining this state of immunological readiness is rarely considered. In this paper we aim to discern a cost to non-acute immune function by investigating how low levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) relate to other energetic demands and resources in adolescent Gambian girls. Methodology: Data from a longitudinal study of 66 adolescent girls was used to test hypotheses around investment in immune function. Non-acute (under 2 mg/L) CRP was used as an index of immune function. Predictor variables include linear height velocity, adiposity, leptin, and measures of energy balance. Results: Non-acute log CRP was positively associated with adiposity (β = 0.16, P < 0.001, R2 = 0.17) and levels of the adipokine leptin (β = 1.17, P = 0.006, R2 = 0.09). CRP was also negatively associated with increased investment in growth, as measured by height velocity (β = −0.58, P < 0.001, R2 = 0.13) and lean mass deposition β = −0.42, P = 0.005, R2 = 0.08). Relationships between adiposity and growth explained some, but not all, of this association. We do not find that CRP was related to energy balance. Conclusions and implications: These data support a hypothesis that investment in non-acute immune function is facultative, and sensitive to energetic resources and demands. We also find support for an adaptive association between the immune system and adipose tissue.Other Sources
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5381351/pdf/Terms of Use
This article is made available under the terms and conditions applicable to Other Posted Material, as set forth at http://nrs.harvard.edu/urn-3:HUL.InstRepos:dash.current.terms-of-use#LAACitable link to this page
http://nrs.harvard.edu/urn-3:HUL.InstRepos:32630695
Collections
- FAS Scholarly Articles [18276]
Contact administrator regarding this item (to report mistakes or request changes)