The latest work from Ohio State University looked at levels of inflammation in response to stress in lonely people.

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John Vane won his Nobel by discovering in 1971 that aspirin and similar drugs inhibit an enzyme that makes prostaglandins, compounds released in response to inflammation.

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For inflammation is an antibacterial response.

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In particular, low-status individuals showed high levels of activity in genes associated with the production of various immune-related cells and chemical signalling factors, as well as those to do with inflammation (a general immune response that involves tissue swelling and increased immune-cell activity in the affected area).

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Such inflammation is, in fact, a normal response to bacterial infection.

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Once inside, the zinc then put the brakes on further activity in the NF-kB pathway, slowing down the immune response and limiting the amount of inflammation, the study, in Cell Reports, indicated.

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The results suggest that mechanical ventilation preceded systemic inflammation in newborns, and that prolonged ventilation increases the inflammatory response, researchers said.

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