The crisp autumn weather should be the perfect time for enjoying the outdoors, but are you suffering from a string of allergy symptoms? Stuffy nose, sneezing, itchy eyes, and red skin—these annoying "old friends" have returned! To make things worse, your beloved pets seem to have become allergy triggers, and your skin is in worse shape after late nights at work. But before you blame the changing seasons or your weak immune system, the real culprit might be a hidden protein inside your body: CD38!
Groundbreaking new research reveals that the little-known CD38 protein is surprisingly linked to inflammation and allergy symptoms. It's not only an invisible threat to your skin’s health but could also be worsening your fall allergies! Want to know how to beat this hidden enemy and regain healthy, glowing skin this autumn? Join us as we uncover the mystery of CD38 and discover the secret weapons to combat allergies and rejuvenate your skin!
CD38 and NAD+ Levels: Links to Aging and Health
CD38 acts as the primary enzyme that breaks down NAD+, playing a crucial role in regulating NAD+ levels, which are vital for aging and metabolic regulation. CD38 can regulate cell recruitment and cytokine release, directly impacting the amount of NAD+ within cells. Therefore, it is considered a "culprit" in the decline of NAD+. This enzyme is closely linked to several physiological processes, particularly in inflammation, exercise performance, and cardiovascular function.
During inflammatory states, CD38 expression increases, further worsening NAD+ depletion. In terms of exercise, inhibiting CD38 can improve performance by maintaining NAD+ levels. Regarding the cardiovascular system, genetic deletion of CD38 can lower resting heart rate and increase heart rate variability, providing protection against catecholamine-induced arrhythmias in animal models.
Given the multiple roles of CD38 in these essential physiological processes, reducing CD38 activity to decrease the ineffective consumption of NAD+ can not only alleviate inflammatory responses but also enhance exercise performance and protect cardiovascular health, thereby combating the aging process on multiple levels.
CD38 Expression in Allergies and Skin Health
CD38 is an important immune-regulating molecule that plays a crucial role in skin health, an area of particular concern for many women. Research shows that CD38 is closely related to inflammation and allergic reactions. In our daily lives, we may encounter issues like hives, seasonal skin redness, or symptoms such as cough and respiratory discomfort, which are often linked to fluctuations in CD38 levels.
For example, in allergic skin conditions like atopic dermatitis and allergic rhinitis, CD38+ B cells convert regulatory T cells into TH17 cells by producing IL-6, impacting the effectiveness of immune therapies. Therefore, appropriately inhibiting the activity of CD38+ B cells may help enhance treatment outcomes and improve skin health. Additionally, CD38 is involved in regulating the secretion of inflammatory factors by macrophages, which is essential for maintaining skin barrier function and responding to environmental factors.
Overall, paying attention to and regulating CD38 levels can help better manage seasonal skin issues and improve overall immune function, providing comprehensive protection for health.
How to Improve CD38 Levels Through Diet and Daily Activities
Research shows that the CD38 signaling pathway is related to the mechanisms of obesity and airway hyperreactivity induced by a high-fat diet. In mouse models on a high-fat diet, ovalbumin stimulation leads to an increase in CD38 protein and mRNA in lung tissue. By reducing high-fat intake, we can improve CD38 levels, maintain NAD+ content, combat aging, enhance immune responses, and reduce allergic reactions.
The primary step is to reduce the intake of high-fat foods, especially controlling saturated fat consumption. Although people often talk about "high-fat diets" and "healthy eating," few truly understand their daily fat intake or distinguish between healthy and unhealthy fats. According to the American Heart Association, the recommendation for saturated fat intake is limited to less than 6% of total daily calories for those who need to lower their cholesterol. In the U.S., the prevalence of hyperlipidemia among adults has been reported at around 38% as of recent studies, indicating a significant public health concern.
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020-2025 recommend limiting daily fat intake to 20-35% of total calories, emphasizing the importance of consuming unsaturated fats over saturated fats. We recommend increasing our intake of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), aiming for a ratio of saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fatty acids of 1:1:1. Foods rich in quality fatty acids, such as nuts, olive oil, and deep-sea fish and shellfish, are good choices, as they contain beneficial omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and proteins. Additionally, following the MyPlate guidelines can guide us in balancing various food groups to ensure nutritional balance.
Moreover, maintaining moderate exercise can also enhance metabolic flexibility, further improving CD38 levels. This involves engaging in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week, such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming. Through these dietary and lifestyle adjustments, we can not only improve CD38 levels but also reduce allergic reactions and enhance overall health!
|
Food Category |
Foods to Eat Less |
Recommended Daily Intake |
|
Meat |
Fatty meats, red meats with skin, animal organs |
120-200g of lean beef, lamb, pork, fish, and white meat |
|
Beverages |
Sugary drinks, milk tea |
Avoid |
|
Dairy |
High-Fat, High sugar dairy products |
300-500ml dairy products, low-fat, low-sugar, high-protein yogurt |
|
Fats |
Butter, beef fat, pork fat, coconut oil |
- Fatty fish (salmon, mackerel) - Flaxseeds and chia seeds - Walnuts |
|
Nuts |
Salted nuts, sugar-coated nuts |
25-30g of unsalted nuts, such as almonds and walnuts |
References
- Chini, C.C., et al., CD38 ecto-enzyme in immune cells is induced during aging and regulates NAD+ and NMN levels. Nature metabolism, 2020. 2(11): p. 1284-1304.
- Agorrody, G., et al., Benefits in cardiac function by CD38 suppression: Improvement in NAD(+) levels, exercise capacity, heart rate variability and protection against catecholamine-induced ventricular arrhythmias. J Mol Cell Cardiol, 2022. 166: p. 11-22.
- Amici, S.A., et al., CD38 Is Robustly Induced in Human Macrophages and Monocytes in Inflammatory Conditions. Front Immunol, 2018. 9: p. 1593.
- Tian, G.-X., et al., CD38+ B cells affect immunotherapy for allergic rhinitis. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 2022. 149(5): p. 1691-1701. e9.
- Barbosa, M.T.P., et al., The enzyme CD38 (a NAD glycohydrolase, EC 3.2.2.5) is necessary for the development of diet-induced obesity. The FASEB Journal, 2007. 21(13): p. 3629-3639.
- Chiang, S.-H., et al., Genetic Ablation of CD38 Protects against Western Diet-Induced Exercise Intolerance and Metabolic Inflexibility. PLOS ONE, 2015. 10(8): p. e0134927.
- Chong, L., et al., High-fat-diet induces airway hyperresponsiveness partly through activating CD38 signaling pathway. International Immunopharmacology, 2018. 56: p. 197-204.
