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Tattoo Ink Invades Lymph Nodes, Alters Immunity
7 Dec
Summary
- Tattoo ink accumulates in lymph nodes, impacting immune resistance.
- The presence of ink caused chronic inflammation in mice lymph nodes.
- Tattoos altered immune response to COVID-19 and influenza vaccines.
New research indicates that tattoos may lead to permanent alterations in the body's immune system and affect how vaccines work. Scientists observed that tattoo ink travels to and accumulates in lymph nodes, causing long-lasting inflammation and impacting immune cell function. This accumulation was linked to modified responses to specific vaccines, including a reduced reaction to the COVID-19 vaccine.
The study, which utilized mice, noted that the ink's presence in lymph nodes persisted for a lifetime, even if tattoos were removed. This raises concerns about the systemic toxic effects of insoluble pigments accumulating in the body, prompting calls for further investigation into tattoo ink safety.
With tattooing being a widespread practice globally, these findings are crucial for informing the public, policymakers, and regulatory bodies about potential health risks. Recent research also highlights a potential increased risk of lymphoma for individuals with extensive tattoos.
