Effect of Lifestyle and Health Behavior on Neutrophil Function -Assessed by Nitroblue Tetrazolium Reduction Method Using Neutrophils in Elderly in Tianjin, China-

OBJECTIVE: In this study, we investigated the relationships of neutrophil functions with lifestyle factors (namely, subjective stress, exercise habits, smoking habits, alcohol-drinking habits, and self-perceived status health) and health behavior in the Chinese urban elderly. METHODS: We performed a health survey of the elderly aged 65 years or older living in Tianjin. The subjects were 42 males (69.1 ± 4.1 years old) and 41 females (69.1 ± 4.1 years old). Investigations of subjective stress, exercise habits, smoking habits, alcohol-drinking habits, and self-perceived health status were performed. The phagocytosis and superoxide productivity of neutrophils were measured by the nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) reduction method. In addition, leukocyte count and serum total protein (TP) level were examined. RESULTS: The investigations revealed the associations of health behavior (p<0.05) and self-perceived health (p<0.10) with the balance between phagocytosis and subsequent superoxide production. CONCLUSIONS: The present study revealed that there were correlations of neutrophil functions with lifestyle factors (subjective stress, exercise habits, smoking habits, alcohol-drinking habits, and self-perceived status health) and health behavior in the Chinese urban elderly.