New Research Links the Appendix to Immune System
Appendix More Important than Scientists Thought
Aug 24, 2009
The bane of approximately 300,000 people every year who need surgery due to appendicitis, the appendix is a small organ a few inches long, located between the small and large intestine. Charles Darwin speculated that the appendix was a vestigial organ, or an organ no longer needed in modern humans that had once served a valuable digestive function. Scientists kept Darwin's theory for decades, but new research demonstrates that the appendix plays a hitherto unknown role in boosting immune system health.
What is the Appendix and Appendicitis?
According to the Mayo Clinic, the appendix is a finger-shaped projection off the small intestine. Appendicitis is a painful, life-threatening inflammation of the appendix. It begins with pain near the navel which gradually moves to the lower right quadrant of the abdomen. The pain may begin gradually or suddenly, but it typically becomes quite intense. Other symptoms of appendicitis include diarrhea, constipation, a low grade fever, nausea and vomiting.
It's important to seek medical care when symptoms of appendicitis appear. The illness can be life threatening if the appendix ruptures. Infection, bleeding and death can occur. Treatment is usually emergency surgery to remove the appendix.
The Role of the Appendix in the Immune System
Even the venerable Mayo Clinic website lists the appendix as having "no known function", but they may have to update their website very soon. According to Charles Q. Choi, a reporter on LiveScience, a new paper in the Journal of Evolutionary Biology demonstrates that the appendix has a surprising function: it makes, trains and directs white blood cells. The paper was not accessible to the general public on the journal's website, but Choi's report quotes William Parker, an immunologist at Duke University Medical Center in Durham, North Carolina. According to the report on Live Science, Parker believes that the appendix is actually a type of warehouse or storage compartment for "good bacteria", those responsible for boosting immune system help. The appendix, according to Parker and his colleagues, holds on to reserves of 'good bacteria' so that when bad bacteria flourish or a nasty case of diarrhea reduces the colonies of good bacteria, the appendix can send in reinforcements. These bacteria may also influence white blood cells to clear up any infections in the gut. Parker's studies on the appendix indicate that it does influence white cell function.
Previous studies indicate that the bacterial flora in the human intestines impact health in more ways than scientists originally predicted. The kind of bacteria present in the gut seem to be indicative of different immune system responses. Researchers aren't sure yet what this implies for health, but there is a connection between what's going on in the intestines and what's going on among the various parts of the immune system.
Can You Prevent Appendicitis?
Most doctors believe that you cannot actually prevent appendicitis. Appendicitis occurs with less frequency in groups eating a high fiber diet with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, another reason to add these healthy foods to your shopping cart.
Anyone suspecting he has appendicitis should go to his doctor or the nearest emergency room immediately. Expect to stay in the emergency room for several hours. Doctors need to observe and monitor clinical signs to diagnose appendicitis. If appendicitis is diagnosed, surgery is performed. Laproscopic surgery does not involve a major incision, and patients are usually sent home in 24 hours. If major surgery or complications are present, patients may need to remain in the hospital for several days.
While removing the appendix is necessary if appendicitis is life-threatening, knowing that the appendix actually serves a function, just like other digestive organs, helps scientists better understand the human body. By understanding and observing the role of the appendix in its effects upon white blood cells, scientists may develop new methods for treating immune system diseases in the future.
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