Low Perceived Social Support Is Associated with CD8+CD57+ Lymphocyte Expansion and Increased TNF-α Levels

Abstract EN

Social support has been supposed to have a positive impact on the function of the immune system.

However, the relationship between perceived social support and immune function has not yet been fully investigated.

In this cross-sectional study, we investigated the link between perceived social support and lymphocyte subpopulations and cytokines.

232 healthy subjects provided a blood sample and completed the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) questionnaire.

Lymphocyte immunophenotypes and cytokines were determined.

Significantly increased CD8+CD57+ lymphocytes and TNF-α levels were found in group with low perceived social support.

Multivariate linear regression corrected for possible confounders confirmed a significant role of perceived social support in predicting the number of CD8+CD57+ lymphocyte and TNF-α levels.

This study supports the association between perceived social support and immune function.

In particular, poor social support may be related to a state of chronic inflammation sustained by CD8+CD57+ lymphocyte expansion and increased TNF-α levels.