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How To Make An Old Immune System Young Again

Blood stem cells (example pictured; artificially coloured) generate red blood cells and immune cells.Credit: Science Photo Library

Old mice developed more youthful immune systems after scientists reduced aberrant stem cells in the aged animals1. The technique strengthened the old rodents' responses to viral infection and lowered signs of inflammation.

The approach, published on 27 March in Nature, treats older mice with antibodies to diminish a population of stem cells that give rise to a variety of other cell types, including those that contribute to inflammation. Excess inflammation can wreak havoc in the body, and these pro-inflammatory stem cells become dominant as mice and humans age.

It will be years before the approach can be tested in people, but many aspects of the stem-cell biology that underlies immune-cell production are similar in mice and humans. "It's a really important first step," says Robert Signer, a stem-cell biologist at the University of California, San Diego, who was not involved in the research. "I'm excited to see where they take this work next."

Skewed immune system

For decades, researchers in Irv Weissman's group at Stanford University in California have painstakingly tracked the fate of blood stem cells. These replenish the body's stores of red blood cells (which carry oxygen from the lungs to all parts of the body) and white blood cells (which are key components of the immune system).

Pregnancy advances your 'biological' age — but giving birth turns it back

In 2005, Weissman and his colleagues found that populations of blood stem cells shift as mice age2. In young mice, there is a balance between two types of blood stem cell, each of which feeds into a different arm of the immune system. The 'adaptive' arm produces antibodies and T cells targeted to specific pathogens; the 'innate' arm produces broadbrush responses, such as inflammation, to infection.

In older mice, however, this balance becomes skewed towards the pro-inflammatory innate immune cells. Similar changes have been reported in the blood stem cells of older humans, and researchers speculate that this could lead to a diminished ability to mount new antibody and T-cell responses. That might explain why older people are more prone to serious infections from pathogens such as influenza viruses and SARS-CoV-2, and why they have weaker responses to vaccination than younger people do.

Restoring the balance

If that were the case, then restoring balance to the populations of blood stem cells could also rejuvenate the immune system. The team tested this by generating antibodies that bind to the blood stem cells that predominantly generate innate immune cells. They then infused these antibodies into older mice, hoping that the immune system would destroy the stem cells bound by the antibodies.

The antibody treatment rejuvenated the immune systems of the treated mice. They had a stronger reaction to vaccination, and were better able to fend off viral infection, than older mice that had not received the treatment. The treated mice also produced lower levels of proteins associated with inflammation than did old, untreated mice.

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This is an important demonstration that the different populations of blood stem cells influence how the immune system ages, says Signer.

But it's also possible that the antibody treatment did more than just affect the dominant blood stem cell population, says Enca Montecino-Rodriguez, who studies the development of white blood cells at the David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles. The treatment might also affect the environment in which the blood stem cells live. Or it could clear other aged cells from the body, or trigger immune responses that affect how the mice respond to vaccines and viruses, she says.

Weissman says that his team is working on a similar approach to rebalance aged human blood stem cells. But even assuming ample funding and no unexpected setbacks, it will be at least three to five years before they can begin testing it in people, he says.

In the meantime, his team will continue to study mice to learn more about other effects of the antibody therapy, such as whether it affects the rates of cancer or inflammatory diseases. "The old versus the young blood-forming system makes a big deal of difference," says Weissman. "It's not just a difference in the bone marrow. It's a difference all over the body."

Viral Immune Responses Suppress A Gestational Hormone

Viral infections cause negative outcomes in pregnant patients and their offspring.1,2 To explain this trend, some scientists point to studies showing suppressive immune responses during pregnancy.3,4 "There's absolutely some evidence for this, but it's never fully been that simple," said Sabra Klein, a viral immunologist at Johns Hopkins University who studies the influence of hormonal changes on the immune response.

In a recent study, Klein and her group showed that influenza infection led to reduced levels of the pregnancy-maintaining hormone progesterone (P4). This caused more severe illnesses in pregnant mice than nonpregnant animals and restricted growth in the newborn animals that continued into adulthood. The findings, published in mBio, offer researchers better insights into the mechanisms behind infection risk during pregnancy and potential avenues for treatments.5

"Very little research is ongoing in this area," said Kristina Adams Waldorf, a reproductive immunologist at the University of Washington who was not affiliated with the study. According to her, the study is a good start to investigating the link between influenza A infections and negative pregnancy outcomes.

To study the correlation between pregnancy and viral infection outcomes, Klein and her team infected female mice at ten days into their gestation with the H1N1 strain of influenza virus. They used genetically dissimilar mice to better replicate the genetic heterogeneity of human pregnancies.

During influenza infection in mice, both pregnant and nonpregnant animals showed viral clearance, but pregnant mice become sicker as indicated by lower body temperatures and greater weight loss. Additionally, pups born to infected mothers were smaller at birth and reached growth and behavior milestones later than animals born to noninfected mothers. "This got us really thinking that it can't just be that pregnant females can't control the virus because of the dampening of antiviral immunity. There's got to be something else going on," Klein said. "That's when we started to really explore the placenta."

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The team compared the morphologies of placentas from virally infected mice to those from noninfected animals. They showed that viral infection damaged the placenta and reduced the presence of a placental cell type, trophoblasts. Infection also decreased the levels of cytokines produced by these cells, even though viruses weren't detected in this tissue. Placentas from infected mice contained proinflammatory cytokines and increased populations of macrophages compared to those from noninfected mice.

Normally, gestational hormones such as P4 suppress inflammatory immune activity in the placenta. The team found reduced P4 levels in the placentas from infected mice compared to noninfected mice. "We were really excited, but we didn't understand how a flu virus in the lungs was causing suppression of progesterone," Klein said.

To explore this, the team investigated a P4 regulating hormone, prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α). They found increased PGF2α in the lungs, blood, and ovaries of infected, pregnant mice compared to the samples from noninfected, pregnant mice. PGF2α is synthesized by cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1). They showed that pregnant, infected mice had increased amounts of COX-1 in their lungs compared to their noninfected counterparts. The team confirmed that the elevated COX-1 in the lungs increased PGF2α in the ovaries by treating infected pregnant mice with a pharmacological inhibitor of COX-1. PGF2α levels dropped, and the circulating P4 levels increased.

Finally, the team investigated whether the reduced level of P4 during viral infection contributed to the reduced growth in pups born to infected mothers. They treated pregnant mice with an injectable form of synthetic P4 after infecting them with influenza. Compared to infected, nontreated, pregnant mice, animals that received the synthetic P4 maintained their body temperatures and weight better. Additionally, the pups born to P4-treated mice were larger at birth and met growth and developmental milestones similar to mice born to noninfected mothers.

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Klein said that this study provides insights into how respiratory viral infections cause negative maternal and fetal outcomes and how these could be prevented. "What our data suggested is that it isn't about a lack of control of the virus. It's about the placental inflammation," she said.

Adams Waldorf found the findings interesting but would like to see data on how P4 affects the antiviral response in the lung. "This study also opens up the possibility of using synthetic progestins to treat pregnant women who are infected with viruses," Adams Waldorf said. "However, we do need to be careful that we are not worsening the impact of viral infection on other organs like the lungs."

Reference

Frivold C, et al. Acute respiratory infections among individuals seeking outpatient care in the states of Washington and Michigan by pregnancy status, 2011-2016. Influenza other Respir Viruses. 2023;17(12):e132230

Creischer PS, Klein SL. Pathogenesis of viral infections during pregnancy. Clin Microbiol Rev. 2024;0:e00073-23

Ernerudh J, et al. Regulatory T helper cells in pregnancy and their roles in systemic versus local immune tolerance. Am J Reprod Immunol. 2011;66(s1):31-43

Szekeres-Bartho J, et al. The suppressive effect of progesterone on lymphocyte cytotoxicity: Unique progesterone sensitivity of pregnancy lymphocytes. J Reprod Immunol. 1985;7(2):121-128

Creisher PS, et al. Suppression of progesterone by influenza A virus mediates adverse maternal and fetal outcomes in mice. MBio. 2024;15(2): e03065-23

Top 6 Best CoQ10 Supplements For Fertility In [Year]

We independently select all products and services. This article was written by a third-party company. If you click through links we provide, The Georgia Straight may earn a commission. Learn more

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is an indispensable nutrient that is naturally synthesized within our bodies. It plays a vital role in energy production and exists within each cell. However, our body's production of CoQ10 decreases as we age, potentially leading to a variety of health challenges, such as fertility problems.

CoQ10 supplements are a popular way to increase the body's levels of this essential nutrient. They come in various forms, including capsules, softgels, and gummies. However, not all CoQ10 supplements are created equal, and when it comes to fertility, it's essential to choose the right one.

When looking for the best CoQ10 supplement for fertility, there are a few critical things to consider. First, you want to choose a supplement that contains the active form of CoQ10, which is called Ubiquinol. This form is more easily absorbed by the body and is therefore more effective.

Another important factor to consider is the dosage. Studies have shown that a daily dose of 200-300mg of CoQ10 can improve fertility in both men and women. So, make sure to choose a supplement that provides an adequate dose.

We spent countless hours researching and testing various CoQ10 supplements to identify the ones that are most effective for improving fertility. In the next section, we will share our top picks and explain why we chose them.

Best CoQ10 Supplements for Fertility

We understand that fertility issues can be a sensitive topic for many individuals and couples. That's why we've researched and compiled a list of the best CoQ10 supplements that can potentially improve fertility. CoQ10 is an antioxidant that is naturally produced in the body and is important for energy production in cells. Studies have shown that CoQ10 can improve sperm count and motility in men and ovarian reserve in women. Our list includes products that are highly rated, effective, and safe for consumption.

1. Natures Craft CoQ10 Supplement

If you're looking for a CoQ10 supplement that can help with fertility and immune system support, then Natures Craft CoQ10 supplement is the perfect choice for you.

Pros

The supplement is designed to help balance lipids naturally and improve heart function.

CoQ10 supplement energy pills can give you a natural energy boost.

CoQ10 works great as a brain supplement for focus, energy, memory, and clarity.

Cons

The supplement may not be suitable for people with certain medical conditions.

Some users may experience minor side effects like headaches or upset stomach.

The supplement may not work for everyone.

We have been using Natures Craft CoQ10 supplement for a few weeks now, and we have noticed a significant improvement in our energy levels. The supplement is easy to swallow and has no aftertaste, making it a convenient addition to our daily routine.

The CoQ10 energy supplements have helped us stay focused and alert throughout the day, while the antioxidant properties have helped us maintain better brain health. The supplement is also potent enough to provide significant skin, heart, lung, and brain support.

Overall, we would highly recommend Natures Craft CoQ10 supplement to anyone looking for a natural way to improve their energy levels and overall health. With its high absorption formula and potent ingredients, this supplement is definitely worth a try.

2. NATALIST CoQ10 Ubiquinone 120 mg Daily Fertility Vitamin Powerful Antioxidant Defense & Cellular Energy Support Supplement – High Absorption for Women & Men Vegan, Non-GMO – 60 Liquid Capsules

If you're looking for a CoQ10 supplement to improve fertility, NATALIST CoQ10 Ubiquinone 120 mg Daily Fertility Vitamin is a great option.

Pros

NATALIST CoQ10 Ubiquinone 120 mg Daily Fertility Vitamin is a vegan, non-GMO supplement that contains no starch, artificial coloring, preservatives, or flavoring.

This supplement helps enhance overall fertility for both women and men, may help enhance mitochondrial function in the egg, and supports male fertility.

NATALIST CoQ10 Ubiquinone 120 mg Daily Fertility Vitamin supports healthy egg quality for women over 35 and may improve IVF outcomes by helping to replenish levels of CoQ10 in the body.

Cons

Some users might find the dosage/potency of this product a bit less than some other CoQ10 supplements.

The price might be a bit higher than some other CoQ10 supplements on the market.

Results may vary from person to person.

We have used NATALIST CoQ10 Ubiquinone 120 mg Daily Fertility Vitamin for a few months now and have noticed a significant improvement in our overall fertility. This supplement is easy to swallow, and we have not experienced any side effects.

NATALIST CoQ10 Ubiquinone 120 mg Daily Fertility Vitamin is made with high bioavailability ingredients for maximum potency, leading to better utilization of nutrients. This supplement is also 100% plastic neutral, which means that for every pound of plastic sold, NATALIST facilitates the removal of a pound of plastic pollution, giving your purchase a net-zero plastic footprint.

Overall, we highly recommend NATALIST CoQ10 Ubiquinone 120 mg Daily Fertility Vitamin to anyone looking for a CoQ10 supplement to improve fertility.

3. Theralogix NeoQ10 Coenzyme Q10 Supplement

If you are looking for a coq10 supplement that supports heart health and fertility, Theralogix NeoQ10 Coenzyme Q10 Supplement is a great choice.

Pros

The VESIsorb colloidal delivery system aids the bioavailability and absorption of CoQ10, so you can support your heart health and fertility.

It is a purity-tested supplement made from premium ingredients, independently verified for potency and purity by NSF.

It is a gluten-free, dye-free, and vegan supplement.

Cons

It is a bit expensive compared to other CoQ10 supplements.

The size of the softgel may be a bit large for some people to swallow.

It may take a few weeks to see the results.

We have been using Theralogix NeoQ10 Coenzyme Q10 Supplement for a few weeks now, and we can already feel the difference in our overall health. The VESIsorb colloidal delivery system ensures that the supplement is absorbed efficiently, and the premium ingredients make it a safe and effective supplement.

The supplement supports heart health and fertility, which is essential for people who are trying to conceive. It also aids healthy sperm motility and egg quality, making it an ideal supplement for both men and women.

One thing we noticed is that the softgel is a bit large, which may be difficult for some people to swallow. However, the supplement is dye-free, gluten-free, and vegan, making it a great choice for people with dietary restrictions.

Overall, Theralogix NeoQ10 Coenzyme Q10 Supplement is a great supplement for people who want to support their heart health and fertility. While it may be a bit expensive, the premium ingredients and purity make it worth the investment.

4. Nest Egg CoQ10 100mg Ubiquinol Fertility Supplements for Women

If you're looking for a quality CoQ10 supplement for fertility, the Nest Egg CoQ10 100mg Ubiquinol Fertility Supplements for Women by The Ladybird Company is a great option.

Pros

The Kaneka QH ubiquinol is the body-ready form of Co10Q, allowing for optimal absorption.

The enhanced VESIsorb delivery allows therapeutic blood levels with a single daily, small, easy-to-swallow Co Q 10 100 mg dose.

Each batch of Nest Egg women's fertility supplement undergoes rigorous quality control processes, including third-party testing.

Cons

Some users have reported that this supplement made their period late and did not result in pregnancy.

The product is only available in a 30 count package.

The price point may be higher than other CoQ10 supplements on the market.

We've been using the Nest Egg CoQ10 supplement for a few months now, and have noticed an improvement in our overall energy levels. The small, easy-to-swallow pills are convenient to take, and the quality control processes ensure that we're getting a safe and effective product.

While some users have reported that this supplement did not result in pregnancy, it's important to remember that fertility is a complex issue and there are many factors that can impact conception. The Nest Egg CoQ10 supplement is just one piece of the puzzle, and may not work for everyone.

Overall, we would recommend the Nest Egg CoQ10 100mg Ubiquinol Fertility Supplements for Women to anyone looking for a high-quality CoQ10 supplement to support their fertility.

5. Natures Craft Fertility Supplement

We highly recommend Natures Craft Fertility Supplement for women looking to improve their chances of conception.

Pros

The unique blend of fertility vitamins and essential minerals supports several factors of the family building process.

Premium multipurpose blend goes beyond the standard fertility booster for women.

Designed to support mommy's health and wellness for a healthy family.

Cons

The fishy taste and smell of the pills may be off-putting to some.

The neon yellow color of urine may be alarming to some users.

The pills may be difficult to swallow for some users.

We tried Natures Craft Fertility Supplement and were impressed by the combination of preconception vitamins and other nutrients like DHEA, DHA, and CoQ10 for fertility. The blend of fertility vitamins for women including B complex vitamins plus essential minerals like iron and calcium is truly unique. The cutting-edge female fertility supplement is designed to support several factors of the family building process.

We appreciate that Natures Craft Fertility Supplement goes beyond the standard fertility booster for women. It is a premium multipurpose blend that promotes mommy's health and wellness for a healthy family. The blend is designed to support hormone balance, and it is vegan-friendly.

The only downside we found is that the pills have a fishy taste and smell that may be off-putting to some users. Additionally, the neon yellow color of urine may be alarming to some users. The pills may also be difficult to swallow for some users.

Overall, we highly recommend Natures Craft Fertility Supplement for women looking to improve their chances of conception. It is a high-quality product that supports several factors of the family building process.

6. Pharma Nord CoQ10 Supplement

We highly recommend the Pharma Nord CoQ10 Supplement for anyone looking for a high-quality supplement to support their fertility and overall health.

Pros

This CoQ10 supplement has been used in over 75 clinical trials and is recommended by best-selling fertility author Rebecca Fett.

The air-tight blisters ensure that every capsule is 100% active and protected from moisture and bacteria.

The formula contains pharma-grade CoQ10 and non-GMO ingredients, making it a safe and effective choice for anyone looking to support their fertility and overall health.

Cons

While this supplement is highly effective, it is also on the pricier side compared to other CoQ10 supplements on the market.

Some users may experience mild side effects such as upset stomach or headaches when first starting to take this supplement.

The recommended dosage is two capsules per day, which may be inconvenient for some users.

We have personally used the Pharma Nord CoQ10 Supplement and have seen noticeable improvements in our energy levels and overall health. The small, easy-to-swallow softgels make it easy to incorporate into our daily routine, and the high absorption rate ensures that we are getting the most benefit from each capsule.

In addition to supporting fertility, this supplement is also beneficial for heart health and overall energy levels. We highly recommend giving the Pharma Nord CoQ10 Supplement a try if you are looking for a safe and effective way to support your health and fertility.

Buying Guide

When choosing a CoQ10 supplement for fertility, there are several factors to consider. Here are some features to look for:

Dosage

It is important to choose a supplement with the right dosage of CoQ10. The recommended dosage for women trying to conceive is 200-600mg per day. However, it is always best to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the appropriate dosage for your individual needs.

Form

CoQ10 supplements come in two forms: ubiquinone and ubiquinol. Ubiquinol is the active form of CoQ10 and may be more easily absorbed by the body. However, ubiquinone is also effective and may be more affordable. It is important to choose the form that best suits your needs and budget.

Purity

Look for a CoQ10 supplement that is pure and free from fillers, additives, and contaminants. It is also important to choose a supplement that is manufactured by a reputable company and has undergone third-party testing for quality and purity.

Other Ingredients

Some CoQ10 supplements may contain additional ingredients that can enhance fertility, such as folic acid, vitamin E, and selenium. Consider choosing a supplement that includes these additional ingredients for added benefits.

Price

CoQ10 supplements can vary in price, so it is important to consider your budget when choosing a product. However, it is important to remember that quality should be the top priority when selecting a supplement for fertility.

By considering these factors, you can choose a CoQ10 supplement that is safe, effective, and affordable for your individual needs.

Frequently Asked Questions What is the recommended CoQ10 dosage for improving fertility?

We recommend taking 200-300 mg of CoQ10 daily for improving fertility. You should consult with your doctor before starting any new supplement regimen.

What are the benefits of CoQ10 for women's fertility?

CoQ10 is an antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage and supports energy production. It has been shown to improve egg quality and ovarian function, which can increase the chances of conception.

What are the side effects of CoQ10 on fertility?

CoQ10 is generally well-tolerated and has few side effects. However, some people may experience mild stomach upset, diarrhea, or nausea. If you experience any adverse effects, you should stop taking CoQ10 and consult with your doctor.

What is the best form of CoQ10 for absorption for fertility?

Ubiquinol is the active form of CoQ10 and is more easily absorbed by the body than ubiquinone. Therefore, we recommend taking a CoQ10 supplement that contains ubiquinol for optimal absorption.

What type of CoQ10 is recommended for fertility?

We recommend taking a high-quality, pharmaceutical-grade CoQ10 supplement that is made from natural sources. Look for a supplement that contains ubiquinol and has been third-party tested for purity and potency.

How long does it take for CoQ10 to improve fertility?

It can take several months for CoQ10 to improve fertility. You should continue taking CoQ10 as directed by your doctor for at least three months before expecting to see any significant changes.

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