Abstract
BACKGROUND: Aging is characterized by increased inflammatory activity reflected by increased plasma levels of proinflammatory cytokines, concomitant with an altered cytokine profile of T lymphocytes. High plasma levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha are strongly associated with morbidity and mortality in elderly humans. However, the cellular source and mechanisms for the increased circulating TNF-alpha levels are unknown.
OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to investigate if high plasma levels of TNF-alpha are associated with increased production of TNF-alpha by T lymphocytes in elderly humans.
METHODS: TNF-alpha production by CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes was measured by flow cytometry following stimulation with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate and ionomycin in 28 young controls, 14, 81-year-olds and 25 centenarians.
RESULTS: Plasma levels of TNF-alpha increased with increasing age. An increased percentage and number of T lymphocytes from the 81 year olds expressed TNF-alpha, whereas centenarians did not show this altered TNF-alpha secretion profile.
CONCLUSION: T cells may contribute to the elevated levels of plasma TNF-alpha in healthy elderly subjects, whereas other mechanisms are responsible in very old individuals.
| Originalsprog | Engelsk |
|---|---|
| Tidsskrift | Gerontology |
| Vol/bind | 49 |
| Udgave nummer | 3 |
| Sider (fra-til) | 155-60 |
| Antal sider | 6 |
| ISSN | 0304-324X |
| DOI | |
| Status | Udgivet - 2003 |
| Udgivet eksternt | Ja |
Fingeraftryk
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