Synergistic Influence of Multiple Lifestyle Factors on Cellular and Molecular Immune Markers: A Cross-Sectional Study in Healthy Adults
Department of Biology, College of Education for Pure Sciences, University of Kirkuk, Kirkuk, Iraq. 36001.
Research Article
Open Access Research Journal of Life Sciences, 2026, 11(02), 040-054.
Article DOI: 10.53022/oarjls.2026.11.2.0018
Publication history:
Received on 04 March 2026; revised on 05 April 2026; accepted on 08 April 2026
Abstract:
Although individual lifestyle factors have been recognized to modulate immunity, the combined and synergic effects of diet, physical activity, sleep and lifestyle habits on cellular and molecular immunity profiles are poorly understood. In this cross-sectional study, 150 healthy adults (age range 18-65) were assessed. Dietary quality, physical activity, sleep and negative behaviors were evaluated through validated questionnaires (DQI, IPAQ, PSQI and PSS). The complete blood count, lymphocytic subsets (CD4+, CD8+, NK cells), IgG, IgA, inflammatory cytokines (CRP, IL-6), endocrine markers (cortisol, DHEA), and oxidative stress markers (MDA, SOD, glutathione) were measured in both peripheral blood and saliva samples. High quality diet and physical activity showed significant relationships with increased levels of white blood cell, antibody production (IgG, IgA), and antioxidant defense (SOD, glutathione, MDA). At the same time, good sleep normalized hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which led to decreased cortisol and systemic inflammatory cytokines (CRP, IL-6). On the other hand, psychological stress, alcohol and smoking impaired immune efficacy. Interestingly, a synergistic and cumulative effect was noticed: those who applied more than one of the healthy lifestyle dimensions had the best immunological balances, with reduced chronic inflammation and oxidative damage. Increased cortisol was found to be negatively associated with CD4 + counts and IgG, while increased DHEA was found to be positively associated with favorable immune responses. The conclusion is that integrated healthy lifestyle factors synergistically optimize the immune function level in the cellular and molecular level, reducing low-grade chronic inflammation and oxidative stress. The results of these studies offer a comprehensive model for evidence-based preventive medicine.
Keywords:
Lifestyle Factors; Immunomodulation; Oxidative Stress; Inflammatory Cytokines; Preventive Health
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