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Older but Not Wiser: the Age-Driven Changes in Neutrophil Responses during Pulmonary Infections. Infect Immun 2021; 89:IAI.00653-20. [PMID: 33495271 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00653-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Elderly individuals are at increased risk of life-threatening pulmonary infections. Neutrophils are a key determinant of the disease course of pathogen-induced pneumonia. Optimal host defense balances initial robust pulmonary neutrophil responses to control pathogen numbers, ultimately followed by the resolution of inflammation to prevent pulmonary damage. Recent evidence suggests that phenotypic and functional heterogeneity in neutrophils impacts host resistance to pulmonary pathogens. Apart from their apparent role in innate immunity, neutrophils also orchestrate subsequent adaptive immune responses during infection. Thus, the outcome of pulmonary infections can be shaped by neutrophils. This review summarizes the age-driven impairment of neutrophil responses and the contribution of these cells to the susceptibility of the elderly to pneumonia. We describe how aging is accompanied by changes in neutrophil recruitment, resolution, and function. We discuss how systemic and local changes alter the neutrophil phenotype in aged hosts. We highlight the gap in knowledge of whether these changes in neutrophils also contribute to the decline in adaptive immunity seen with age. We further detail the factors that drive dysregulated neutrophil responses in the elderly and the pathways that may be targeted to rebalance neutrophil activity and boost host resistance to pulmonary infections.
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2
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Franceschi C, Ostan R, Santoro A. Nutrition and Inflammation: Are Centenarians Similar to Individuals on Calorie-Restricted Diets? Annu Rev Nutr 2018; 38:329-356. [DOI: 10.1146/annurev-nutr-082117-051637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Individuals capable of reaching the extreme limit of human life such as centenarians are characterized by an exceptionally healthy phenotype—that is, a low number of diseases, low blood pressure, optimal metabolic and endocrine parameters, and increased diversity in the gut microbiota—and they are epigenetically younger than their chronological age. We present data suggesting that such a remarkable phenotype is largely similar to that found in adults following a calorie-restricted diet. Interviews with centenarians and historical data on the nutritional and lifestyle habits of Italians during the twentieth century suggest that as children and into adulthood, centenarians lived in an environment that was nonobesogenic, but at the same time the environment did not produce malnutrition. Centenarians appear to be creatures of habit, and we argue that their habit of eating meals at the same time each day favored the maintenance of circadian rhythms, including their sleep cycle. Finally, we argue that centenarians’ chronic inflammatory status, which we dubbed inflammaging, is peculiar, likely adaptive, and less detrimental than in younger people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Franceschi
- IRCCS Institute of Neurological Sciences of Bologna, 40139 Bologna, Italy
| | - Rita Ostan
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic, and Specialty Medicine (DIMES) and Interdepartmental Centre “L. Galvani” (CIG), Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy;,
| | - Aurelia Santoro
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic, and Specialty Medicine (DIMES) and Interdepartmental Centre “L. Galvani” (CIG), Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy;,
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3
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Bou Ghanem EN, Lee JN, Joma BH, Meydani SN, Leong JM, Panda A. The Alpha-Tocopherol Form of Vitamin E Boosts Elastase Activity of Human PMNs and Their Ability to Kill Streptococcus pneumoniae. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2017; 7:161. [PMID: 28516066 PMCID: PMC5413490 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2017.00161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2017] [Accepted: 04/12/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the availability of vaccines, Streptococcus pneumoniae remains a leading cause of life-threatening infections, such as pneumonia, bacteremia and meningitis. Polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) are a key determinant of disease course, because optimal host defense requires an initial robust pulmonary PMN response to control bacterial numbers followed by modulation of this response later in infection. The elderly, who manifest a general decline in immune function and higher basal levels of inflammation, are at increased risk of developing pneumococcal pneumonia. Using an aged mouse infection model, we previously showed that oral supplementation with the alpha-tocopherol form of vitamin E (α-Toc) decreases pulmonary inflammation, in part by modulating neutrophil migration across lung epithelium into alveolar spaces, and reverses the age-associated decline in resistance to pneumococcal pneumonia. The objective of this study was to test the effect of α-Toc on the ability of neutrophils isolated from young (22–35 years) or elderly (65–69 years) individuals to migrate across epithelial cell monolayers in response to S. pneumoniae and to kill complement-opsonized pneumococci. We found that basal levels of pneumococcal-induced transepithelial migration by PMNs from young or elderly donors were indistinguishable, suggesting that the age-associated exacerbation of pulmonary inflammation is not due to intrinsic properties of PMNs of elderly individuals but rather may reflect the inflammatory milieu of the aged lung. Consistent with its anti-inflammatory activity, α-Toc treatment diminished PMN migration regardless of donor age. Unexpectedly, unlike previous studies showing poor killing of antibody-opsonized bacteria, we found that PMNs of elderly donors were more efficient at killing complement-opsonized bacteria ex vivo than their younger counterparts. We also found that the heightened antimicrobial activity in PMNs from older donors correlated with increased activity of neutrophil elastase, a serine protease that is required to kill pneumococci. Notably, incubation with α-Toc increased PMN elastase activity from young donors and boosted their ability to kill complement-opsonized pneumococci. These findings demonstrate that α-Toc is a potent modulator of PMN responses and is a potential nutritional intervention to combat pneumococcal infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elsa N Bou Ghanem
- Department of Molecular Biology and Microbiology at Tufts, University School of MedicineBoston, MA, USA
| | - James N Lee
- Department of Molecular Biology and Microbiology at Tufts, University School of MedicineBoston, MA, USA
| | - Basma H Joma
- Program in Immunology, Sackler School of Graduate Biomedical Sciences, Tufts UniversityBoston, MA, USA
| | - Simin N Meydani
- Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts UniversityBoston MA, USA
| | - John M Leong
- Department of Molecular Biology and Microbiology at Tufts, University School of MedicineBoston, MA, USA
| | - Alexander Panda
- Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts UniversityBoston MA, USA
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4
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Immune ageing and susceptibility to Streptococcus pneumoniae. Biogerontology 2015; 17:449-65. [DOI: 10.1007/s10522-015-9614-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2015] [Accepted: 10/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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5
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Mantovani S, Gordon R, Macmaw JK, Pfluger CMM, Henderson RD, Noakes PG, McCombe PA, Woodruff TM. Elevation of the terminal complement activation products C5a and C5b-9 in ALS patient blood. J Neuroimmunol 2015; 276:213-8. [PMID: 25262158 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2014.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2014] [Revised: 09/05/2014] [Accepted: 09/08/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease, characterized by the progressive loss of motor neurons within the central nervous system. Neural degeneration and inflammatory processes, including activation of the complement system are hallmarks of this pathology. Our past work in ALS animal models (hSOD1 G93A rodents) has revealed that blockade of the receptor for complement activation fragment C5a (C5aR), improves ALS-like symptoms and extends survival. We now show that the levels of C5a and C5b-9, but not C3a nor C4a, are significantly elevated in plasma from ALS patients compared to healthy controls. C5a was also elevated within leukocytes from ALS patients suggesting heightened C5a receptor interaction. Overall, these findings indicate that there is enhanced peripheral immune complement terminal pathway activation in ALS, which may have relevance in the disease process.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Mantovani
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
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6
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Hazeldine J, Lord JM. Innate immunesenescence: underlying mechanisms and clinical relevance. Biogerontology 2014; 16:187-201. [PMID: 25009085 DOI: 10.1007/s10522-014-9514-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2013] [Accepted: 06/25/2014] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
A well-established feature of physiological ageing is altered immune function, a phenomenon termed immunesenescence. Thought to be responsible in part for the increased incidence and severity of infection reported by older adults, as well as the age-related decline in vaccine efficacy and autoimmunity, immunesenescence affects both the innate and adaptive arms of the immune system. Whilst much is known regarding the impact of age on adaptive immunity, innate immunity has received far less attention from immune gerontologists. However, over the last decade it has become increasingly apparent that this non-specific arm of the immune response undergoes considerable functional and phenotypical alterations with age. Here, we provide a detailed overview of innate immunesenescence and its underlying molecular mechanisms, and highlight those studies whose results indicate that changes in innate immunity with age have a significant impact upon the health and well-being of older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jon Hazeldine
- MRC-ARUK Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research, School of Immunity and Infection, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK,
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7
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Flachsbart F, Caliebe A, Heinsen FA, Hemming-Karlsen T, Schreiber S, Franke A, Nebel A. Investigation of complement component C4 copy number variation in human longevity. PLoS One 2014; 9:e86188. [PMID: 24465950 PMCID: PMC3899116 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0086188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2013] [Accepted: 12/06/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic factors have been estimated to account for about 25% of the variation in an adult's life span. The complement component C4 with the isotypes C4A and C4B is an effector protein of the immune system, and differences in the overall C4 copy number or gene size (long C4L; short C4S) may influence the strength of the immune response and disease susceptibilities. Previously, an association between C4B copy number and life span was reported for Hungarians and Icelanders, where the C4B*Q0 genotype, which is defined by C4B gene deficiency, showed a decrease in frequency with age. Additionally, one of the studies indicated that a low C4B copy number might be a genetic trait that is manifested only in the presence of the environmental risk factor "smoking". These observations prompted us to investigate the role of the C4 alleles in our large German longevity sample (∼ 700 cases; 94-110 years and ∼ 900 younger controls). No significant differences in the number of C4A, C4B and C4S were detected. Besides, the C4B*Q0 carrier state did not decrease with age, irrespective of smoking as an interacting variable. However, for C4L*Q0 a significantly different carrier frequency was observed in the cases compared with controls (cases: 5.08%; controls: 9.12%; p = 0.003). In a replication sample of 714 German cases (91-108 years) and 890 controls this result was not replicated (p = 0.14) although a similar trend of decreased C4L*Q0 carrier frequency in cases was visible (cases: 7.84%; controls: 10.00%).
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Affiliation(s)
- Friederike Flachsbart
- Institute of Clinical Molecular Biology, Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Amke Caliebe
- Institute of Medical Informatics and Statistics, Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Femke-Anouska Heinsen
- Institute of Clinical Molecular Biology, Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Tom Hemming-Karlsen
- Norwegian PSC Research Center, Division of Cancer, Surgery and Transplantation, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
- Research Institute for Internal Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
- Section of Gastroenterology, Department of Transplantation Medicine, Division of Cancer, Surgery and Transplantation, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
- Division of Gastroenterology, Institute of Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Stefan Schreiber
- Institute of Clinical Molecular Biology, Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany
- Department of General Medicine, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
- Popgen Biobank, Christian-Albrechts-University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Andre Franke
- Institute of Clinical Molecular Biology, Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Almut Nebel
- Institute of Clinical Molecular Biology, Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany
- * E-mail:
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Krone CL, van de Groep K, Trzciński K, Sanders EAM, Bogaert D. Immunosenescence and pneumococcal disease: an imbalance in host-pathogen interactions. THE LANCET RESPIRATORY MEDICINE 2013; 2:141-53. [PMID: 24503269 DOI: 10.1016/s2213-2600(13)70165-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Respiratory infections are among the most important causes of morbidity and mortality from infectious diseases worldwide. The most common causative bacterium, Streptococcus pneumoniae, frequently colonises the upper respiratory tract, where it resides mostly asymptomatically. Occasionally, however, S pneumoniae can cause severe disease such as pneumonia. Local host immunity is essential to control colonising pathogens by preventing overgrowth, spread, and invasion. However, age-related immune deficits in elderly people, known as immunosenescence, might contribute to increased disease burden. We review present knowledge about immunosenescence in the respiratory tract against Gram-positive bacteria, particularly S pneumoniae. We discuss the possible underdetection of pneumococcal colonisation in elderly people, and suggest changes to present surveillance methods to improve understanding of the relation between colonisation and disease. We conclude that present knowledge about alteration of host-pathogen interactions by immunosenescence in the respiratory tract is insufficient, and that research is needed to enable improved measures for prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassandra L Krone
- Pediatric Immunology and Infectious Diseases, University Medical Center Utrecht, WKZ, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Kirsten van de Groep
- Pediatric Immunology and Infectious Diseases, University Medical Center Utrecht, WKZ, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Krzysztof Trzciński
- Pediatric Immunology and Infectious Diseases, University Medical Center Utrecht, WKZ, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Elizabeth A M Sanders
- Pediatric Immunology and Infectious Diseases, University Medical Center Utrecht, WKZ, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Debby Bogaert
- Pediatric Immunology and Infectious Diseases, University Medical Center Utrecht, WKZ, Utrecht, Netherlands.
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9
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Brito CJ, Volp ACP, Nóbrega ODT, Silva Júnior FLE, Mendes EL, Roas AFCM, Barros JDF, Córdova C. Exercício físico como fator de prevenção aos processos inflamatórios decorrentes do envelhecimento. MOTRIZ: REVISTA DE EDUCACAO FISICA 2011. [DOI: 10.1590/s1980-65742011000300017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Ao longo do processo de envelhecimento observa-se complexa remodelagem do sistema imunitário. Estas alterações estão associadas ao desenvolvimento de patologias responsáveis por grande parte da mortalidade em população idosa. Recentemente, a prática regular de atividades físicas tem sido proposta como intervenção não-medicamentosa com amplos benefícios sobre a regulação de processos decorrentes da imunossenescênia. Neste sentido, o presente trabalho revisou e discutiu estudos que abordam a ação de mediadores pró-inflamatórios crônicos e possíveis ações do exercício físico como agente antiinflamatório. Baseado nos resultados de estudos na literatura sugere-se que, em conjunto, a interleucina-6 (IL-6) e o fator de necrose tumoral-α (TNF- α) são as principais citocinas associadas à aterosclerose, sarcopenia e déficits cognitivos. Embora os mecanismos não sejam totalmente elucidados, o exercício reduz a atividade de citocinas pró-inflamatórias e aumenta a liberação de substancias anti-inflamatórias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ciro José Brito
- Universidade Federal de Sergipe, Brasil; Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasil
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10
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Cevenini E, Invidia L, Lescai F, Salvioli S, Tieri P, Castellani G, Franceschi C. Human models of aging and longevity. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2008; 8:1393-405. [PMID: 18694357 DOI: 10.1517/14712598.8.9.1393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aging phenotype in humans is very heterogeneous and can be described as a complex mosaic resulting from the interaction of a variety of environmental, stochastic and genetic-epigenetic variables. Therefore, each old person must be considered as a singleton, and consequently the definition of 'aging phenotype' is very difficult. OBJECTIVE We discuss the phenotype of centenarians, the best example of successful aging, as well as other models exploited to study human aging and longevity, such as families enriched in long-living subjects, twins and cohorts of unrelated subjects. METHODS A critical review of literature available until March 2008. CONCLUSIONS No single model can be considered the gold standard for the study of aging and longevity, instead the combination of results obtained from different models must be considered in order to better understand these complex phenomena. We propose that a systems biology concept such as that of 'bow-tie' architecture, useful for managing information flow, could help in this demanding task.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Cevenini
- University of Bologna, Department of Experimental Pathology, Via S. Giacomo 12, 40126 Bologna, Italy
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11
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Swierzko AS, Florczak K, Cedzyński M, Szemraj J, Wydra D, Bak-Romaniszyn L, Emerich J, Sułowska Z. Mannan-binding lectin (MBL) in women with tumours of the reproductive system. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2007; 56:959-71. [PMID: 17131120 PMCID: PMC11031024 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-006-0250-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2006] [Accepted: 10/28/2006] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Mannan-binding lectin (MBL) is an important factor of innate immunity contributing to the clearance of microorganisms. Recently, an antitumourigenic role of MBL has been suggested. We investigated mbl2 genotypes, MBL concentrations, and MBL-MASP-2 complex activity in patients with ovarian cancer. The expression of both mbl2 and masp-2 genes were investigated in ovarian tissue sections. Additionally, samples from patients with other malignant and benign tumours of the reproductive tract were tested. A significantly higher incidence of MBL deficiency/insufficiency-associated genotypes was found among patients with malignant disease compared to age-matched controls. Unexpectedly, no differences in median MBL level or MBL-MASP-2 complex activity were found between the groups. This was partly a reflection of higher MBL concentrations and MBL-MASP-2 activity in cancer patients compared with healthy women carrying corresponding genotypes. MBL-specific mRNA expression was detected in several normal and malignant ovarian tissues, as well as in ovarian epithelial cell lines. Intracellular staining with MBL-specific antibodies demonstrated the presence of MBL in ovarian cell lines, and in normal as well as malignant ovarian tissue sections. In contrast, MASP-2-specific mRNA expression was detected only in the ovary tissues of patients with malignant disease. No significant changes in MBL concentration during 3 months of chemotherapy were noticed. MBL was detected in ascites and in the fluid of benign ovarian cysts. Our findings may reflect anti-tumourigenic activity of MBL protein which might suggest potential therapeutic application. However, it cannot be excluded that mbl-2 mutant alleles may be in linkage disequilibrium with an unidentified tumour susceptibility gene(s).
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Affiliation(s)
- A St Swierzko
- Laboratory of Immunobiology of Infections, Centre of Medical Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Lodowa 106, 93-232 Łódź, Poland.
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12
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Loeffler DA, Camp DM, Schonberger MB, Singer DJ, LeWitt PA. Early complement activation increases in the brain in some aged normal subjects. Neurobiol Aging 2004; 25:1001-7. [PMID: 15212824 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2003.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2003] [Revised: 09/04/2003] [Accepted: 11/04/2003] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Complement activation is increased in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and may contribute to the development and progression of this disorder. To compare early complement activation between normal and AD brain specimens, C4d and iC3b concentrations were measured in hippocampus, entorhinal cortex, temporal cortex, parietal cortex, and cerebellum from aged normal and AD subjects n=10-14 for both), and in hippocampus and entorhinal cortex from younger normal subjects (n=5-6). C4d and iC3b levels increased 2.3- to 4.6-fold in AD versus aged normal specimens (all P <0.05), with lowest concentrations of these activation proteins generally in cerebellum. No significant differences were present between aged and younger normal C4d and iC3b levels in hippocampus or entorhinal cortex. However, the concentrations of these proteins were markedly increased in several aged normal specimens. Normal subject age was moderately associated with both C4d (r=0.49) and iC3b (r=0.53) concentrations in the hippocampus. Increased brain complement activation in some elderly individuals may promote the subsequent development of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A Loeffler
- Division of Neurology, William Beaumont Hospital Research Institute, Royal Oak, MI 48073, USA.
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13
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Abstract
The innate immune system serves an important role in preventing microbial invasion. However, it experiences significant changes with advancing age. Among the age-associated changes are: Aged macrophages and neutrophils have impaired respiratory burst and reactive nitrogen intermediates as a result of altered intracellular signaling, rendering them less able to destroy bacteria. Aged neutrophils are also less able to respond to rescue from apoptosis. Aged dendritic cells (DC) are less able to stimulate T and B cells. The altered T cell stimulation is a result of changes in human leukocyte antigen expression and cytokine production, and lower B cell stimulation is a result of changes in DC immune complex binding. Natural killer (NK) cells from the elderly are less capable of destroying tumor cells. NK T cells increase in number and have greater interleukin-4 production with age. Levels of various complement components are also altered with advancing age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy P Plackett
- Department of Cellbiology, Loyola University Chicago, Stritch School of Medicine, Building 110, Room 4237, 2160 South First Avenue, Maywood, IL 60513, USA
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14
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Major Histocompatibility Complex Polymorphisms and Ageing. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2004. [DOI: 10.1016/s1567-7443(04)80008-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register]
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Abstract
The highest attained age has increased by about 20 years since the beginning of the 19th century. In the course of the 1990s, more than ten individuals reached 115 years or more, including Jeanne Calment who attained the age of 122 years. In low-mortality countries, the number of centenarians has doubled every decade since 1950. This dramatic increase was mainly due to periodical effects related to the drastic fall in mortality among the elderly. The fact that centenarians are survivors does not mean that they are healthy. A high prevalence of comorbidity is found, and many centenarians have survived major diseases thanks to medical treatment and surgery. It is, however, possible that the comorbidity is less serious than in younger elderly. Certain personality traits may also be important in surviving health-threatening conditions. Furthermore, a number of biological and cognitive functions seem to be well-preserved in several centenarians. The influence of the apoE-gene and other genes involved in fundamental mechanisms illustrates that with advancing age and increasing mortality even small risks may have a substantial effect on survival to 100 years. A small proportion of long-livers may be considered as relatively autonomous, and this proportion will probably increase in the future. We are living longer and seem to postpone the terminal dependent phase to higher ages. Longevity may thus be perceived as part of our postmodern condition with its mix of pleasure and suffering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernard Jeune
- Institute of Public Health, and Ageing Research Center, University of Southern Denmark, Odense.
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17
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Caruso C, Candore G, Romano GC, Lio D, Bonafè M, Valensin S, Franceschi C. Immunogenetics of longevity. Is major histocompatibility complex polymorphism relevant to the control of human longevity? A review of literature data. Mech Ageing Dev 2001; 122:445-62. [PMID: 11292511 DOI: 10.1016/s0047-6374(00)00255-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Literature data suggest that human longevity may be directly correlated with optimal functioning of the immune system. Therefore, it is likely that one of the genetic determinants of longevity resides in those polymorphisms for the immune system genes that regulate immune responses. Accordingly, studies performed on mice have suggested that the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC), known to control a variety of immune functions, is associated with the life span of the strains. In the last 25 years, a fair number of cross-sectional studies that searched for the role of HLA (the human MHC) genes on human longevity by comparing HLA antigen frequencies between groups of young and elderly persons have been published, but conflicting findings have been obtained. In fact, the same HLA antigens are increased in some studies, decreased in others and unchanged in others. On the whole, that could lead us to hypothesize that the observed age-related differences in the frequency of HLA antigens are due to bias. In our opinion, this hypothesis is real for most studies owing to major methodological problems. However, some studies that do not meet these biases have shown an association between longevity and some HLA-DR alleles or HLA-B8,DR3 haplotype, known to be involved in the antigen non-specific control of immune response. Thus, HLA studies in man may be interpreted to support suggestions derived from the studies on congenic mice on MHC effects on longevity. However, in mice the association may be by way of susceptibility to lymphomas whereas, in human beings, the effect on longevity is likely, via infectious disease susceptibility. Longevity is associated with positive or negative selection of alleles (or haplotypes) that respectively confer resistance or susceptibility to disease(s), via peptide presentation or via antigen non-specific control of the immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Caruso
- Dipartimento di Biopatologia e Metodologie Biomediche, Università di Palermo, Corso Tukory 211, 90134 Palermo, Italy.
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18
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Franceschi C, Valensin S, Bonafè M, Paolisso G, Yashin AI, Monti D, De Benedictis G. The network and the remodeling theories of aging: historical background and new perspectives. Exp Gerontol 2000; 35:879-96. [PMID: 11053678 DOI: 10.1016/s0531-5565(00)00172-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 246] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Two general theories, i.e. "the network theory of aging" (1989) and "the remodeling theory of aging" (1995), as well as their implications, new developments, and perspectives are reviewed and discussed. Particular attention has been paid to illustrate: (i) how the network theory of aging fits with recent data on aging and longevity in unicellular organisms (yeast), multicellular organisms (worms), and mammals (mice and humans); (ii) the evolutionary and experimental basis of the remodeling theory of aging (immunological, genetic, and metabolic data in healthy centenarians, and studies on the evolution of the immune response, stress and inflammation) and its recent development (the concepts of "immunological space" and "inflamm-aging"); (iii) the profound relationship between these two theories and the data which suggest that aging and longevity are related, in a complex way, to the capability to cope with a variety of stressors.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Franceschi
- Department of Experimental Pathology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
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Franceschi C, Bonafè M, Valensin S. Human immunosenescence: the prevailing of innate immunity, the failing of clonotypic immunity, and the filling of immunological space. Vaccine 2000; 18:1717-20. [PMID: 10689155 DOI: 10.1016/s0264-410x(99)00513-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 297] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
According to the remodeling theory of aging we proposed several years ago, the current data on human immunosenescence depicts a complex scenario where clonotypical immunity deteriorates, while ancestral innate/natural immunity is largely conserved or even up-regulated with age. Under an evolutionary perspective, antigens are the cause of a persistent life-long antigenic stress, responsible for the accumulation of effector CD8+/CD28- T cells, the decrease of naive T cells (CD95-) and the marked shrinkage of T cell repertoire with age. Concomitantly, NK cytotoxicity, chemotaxis, phagocytosis and complement activities remain unaffected or negligibly affected, in comparison to clonotypical immunity. Thus, immunosenescence is not a random deteriorative phenomenon but appears to inversely recapitulate an evolutionary pattern. On the whole, immunosenescence can be envisaged as the result of the continuous challenge of the unavoidable exposure to a variety of potential antigens (viruses, bacteria, but also food and self molecules among others). From this perspective antigens are nothing else than a particular type of stressor and immunosenescence appears to be the price paid to immunological memory, i.e. one of the main characteristics of the most evolutionary recent and sophisticated type of immunity. Together with the age-related thymic involution, and the consequent age-related decrease of thymic output of new T cells, this situation leaves the body practically devoid of virgin T cells, and thus likely more prone to a variety of infectious and non infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Franceschi
- Department of Gerontological Research, Italian National Research Center on Aging (INRCA), Ancona, Italy.
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