Scientists have found a correlation between the level of immunity and number of tattoos
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American researchers have found a correlation between the number of tattoos and immunity. It turned out that repeated sessions tattoo train the immune system, reducing the decrease in protective forces of an organism in response to stress. The results of their remoteapplication in American Journal of Human Biology.
In the research spent by employees of the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa was attended by 29 customers of local tattoo parlors (25 women and four men ranging in age from 18 to 47 years). They took saliva samples before and after tattooing. In these samples there was determined the level of secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA) and cortisol. SIgA contained in the mucus of the respiratory tract and the gastrointestinal tract, it is the first line of nonspecific defense against penetrating pathogens. Cortisol is released in response to stress, one of its effects — immunosuppression.
The volunteers also sorted out a number of tattoos, number tattoo sessions in my life, their total duration, the time from application of first tattoo, and the percentage of the body surface occupied by the tattoo. In addition, the researchers collected demographics and medical history, recorded the growth, body weight, data about medicines, alcohol and nicotine.
The analysis of the data with adjustment for related factors showed that the first tattoo leads to a significant increase in cortisol and decrease in the secretion of SIgA, that is weakened local immunity. During the application of subsequent tattoos this reaction decreases, and if the number and duration of sessions stress ceases to cause a decrease in SIgA level, strengthens the immunity.
“The data show that over time the body adapts to stressful action of tattooing. Maybe the people with strong immunity healing tattoos faster because of what they tend to spray a large number of them,” say the researchers. Project Manager Christopher Lynn (Christopher Lynn) compared tattooing with exercises at the gym: the first session leads to a significant deterioration of health, however, after prolonged exercise there will be General health promotion, and new sessions produce a nice effect.
Oleg Lischuk
