The Relationship of Hardiness and Immune System Cells

Document Type : Original Article (s)

Authors

1 Associated Professor, Department of Immunology, Hemoglobinopathies and Thalassemia Research center, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran

2 Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran

3 Associate Professor, Department of Psychology, School of Psychology and Education, Shahid Chamran University, Ahvaz, Iran

4 Professor, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran

5 Student, Department of Laboratory Sciences, School of Paramedicine, Member of Student Research Committee, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran

Abstract

Background: Leukocytes form the major immune cells protect the body against foreign agents and pathogens. Hardiness is personality characteristic known as the most important factor in modulatoring the negative effects of stress on immune system. Various clinical studies have confirmed the relationship of this character with psychological and body health. However, no remarkable investigations carry out the relationship between hardiness and immune cells. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship of hardiness (and its subscales) with immune system cells among pharmacy students of Ahvaz Jundishapour University of Medical Sciences, Iran.Methods: In this descriptive-correlational study, 62 students exposed to comprehensive exam of basic sciences were randomly selected. The instrument was Cobasa questionnaire to evaluate the hardiness personality characteristics and its subscales (commitment, challenge and control). Blood samples were collected from students for analysis of immune cells including WBC count and its subgroups using hematology test (CBC method) and also percentage of T-cell subpopulations and CD56 NK (natural killer) cells by flow cytometry technique. Data were analyzed using Pearson's correlation test.Findings: There was a significant positive correlation between hardiness and CD4+ T-cells, CD4/CD8 and neutrophil levels (P < 0.05 for all), while there was a significant negative correlation between hardiness and the percentage of CD8+T cells and eosinophil (P < 0.05).Conclusion: It seems that individuals with high hardiness may have stronger and more balanced immune system to cope with injurious factors.

Keywords

References

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Journal of Isfahan Medical School
Volume 31, Issue 260 - Serial Number 260
September and October 2014
Pages 1812-1820

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History

  • Receive Date: 09 June 2013
  • Revise Date: 01 November 2024
  • Accept Date: 06 April 2022

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