Healthcare
Natural Killer Cells are lymphocytes best known for their cancer cells killing properties. Making up 1% of all the body’s white blood cells, Natural Killer Cells are the only type of cells that are able to work independently. They can quickly and accurately detect and target cancer cells, virally infected cells, and other antigens.
Testing for NK Cells in the blood could help determine risk of cancer where low NK Cells count or functional NK Cells deficiency means a higher risk.
Immune system plays a crucial role in our survival. It protects our body from invading pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, germs, other foreign substances, and even cancer cells. Without an immune system, our body becomes vulnerable to antigens. While the immune system consists of several parts that work together, the primary one is the white blood cells, which are scattered throughout the body to defend and attack any threat or pathogens.
Natural Killer Cells are a part of lymphocytes that play a vital role in the immune system. Unlike antigen specific cytotoxic T-cells, NK cells have the ability to swiftly respond to and destroy novel pathogens without any prior activation. Quick to detect any cell abnormalities, NK Cells are 100 times more efficient in killing cancer cells than other normal white blood cells.
The reason some people who often fall ill or are not healthy could possibly be linked back to low NK cells count or functional cells deficiency. With a weak defensive wall, any invading pathogens or tumor cells could easily go undetected.
Flow Cytometry, one of the quickest and most accurate techniques to test for NK cells count, is a laser-based technology used to analyze the overview of the cell particles and the immune system. Performed alongside with NK cells function test, it can evaluate the functions of each cell and its ability to defend invading pathogens. Regardless of NK cells count, they also need to perform high on the function level to be able to optimally defend the body from invaders.
Technique
Flow Cytometry
Merit
Quick, Accurate, and Convenient
Sample Blood
3 ml. x 2 tubes non-fasting
Test Duration
5 working days
Index
Male 140 -1,103 cells/uL
Female 96 – 998 cells/uL
Flow Cytometry is a laser-based automated tool to analyze, quantitate the physical and chemical properties of cells in solution. Flow Cytometry can rapidly measure the shape, size, and components of each cell. Using a Flow Cytometry machine, sample cells suspended in a fluid stream are passed through a laser light beam in a single file fashion. Cells' interaction with the light, including how the light scatters or fluorescent intensity, will be detected and used to analyze and determine the component of each cell.
Technique
Microfluorimetry (Calcein-AM Cytotoxicity Assay)
Merit
Little or no error. Gold-standard equivalent
Sample Blood
10 ml. x 1 tube non fasting
Test Duration
5 working days
Index
Male 43-58%
Female 35-51%
A gold-standard equivalent, Microfluorimetry evaluates Natural Killer cells activity against tumor and cancer cells during a certain period of time. Cultured together with NK Cells, fluorescent cancer cells are closely tracked. In the span of 4 hours, cancer cells destroyed by NK cells will lose their fluorescence, thus, providing experts with a measurement index of NK Cells activity.
Below Normal
- Cancer patients or at risk of cancer
- Patients are exposed to unhealthy lifestyles- to stress, insufficient rest, drinking, and smoking.
- Patients lack sufficient nutrition, are overweight or underweight
- Patients on medication such as chemotherapy, or immunosuppressant drugs
Normal Range
- The immune system is normal.
Higher than Normal
- Overactive immune system: signs of infection or a symptom of a disease
Some of the ways to include NK Cells count include
1. How to increase NK Cells count
- Eat a healthy and nutritious diet, focusing mainly on green vegetables, meat, and soy
- Refrain from smoking and drinking alcohol
- Exercise regularly
- Get at least 7 hours of sleep and maintain a relaxed and stress-free lifestyle
- Take supplements to support NK Cells activity. Choose only nationally and internationally certified supplements that are backed up by scientific-based evidence.
Results from the aforementioned practices may not be obvious and may vary from person to person.
2. Cell Culturing Technology in Laboratory
Cell culturing techniques can increase cell count, as well as boost cell activity. The process takes up to 2 weeks, after which the cultured cells will be administered back in the body. Using the patient's own cells, cell culturing is a highly safe technique and can be repeated until the desired level of cell count is achieved.
At present, NK Cells culturing can be done in Thailand, decreasing the cost substantially. Make sure to choose only standardized laboratories, with experienced team and experts who can provide medically accurate information and advice to ensure NK Cells treatment is safe and is of the highest quality.
People at risk of having low or defective NK cells, including
Cancer Types
- Leukemia
- Ovarian Cancer
- Breast Cancer (HER-2+ve)
- Neuroblastoma
Non-Cancer Diseases
- Vital Infection
- Autoimmune Disease
- Type I Diabetes
Natural Killer Cells are lymphocytes best known for their cancer cells killing properties. Making up 1% of all the body’s white blood cells, Natural Killer Cells are the only type of cells that are able to work independently. They can quickly and accurately detect and target cancer cells, virally infected cells, and other antigens.
