A primer on ageing for the older fans of LL. Ag
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Ageing is associated with increased circulating levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Increased levels of inflammatory serum markers in the elderly are associated with dementia, Parkinson's disease, atherosclerosis, type 2 diabetes, sarcopenia, functional disability and high mortality risk. Therefore, through inflammation and its mediators the IS influences not only the immunological defence reactions, but also exerts detrimental effects on muscle, bone, cardiac function, haemopoiesis and cognition [15-17]. Furthermore, the production of chemokines (RANTES, MIP-1α, IL-8, MCP-1) is also increased in the elderly, as a consequence of inflammation [36]. Elevated IL6 serum levels are associated with diseases, disability and mortality in the elderly [14, 18]. Recent population-based studies identified the magnitude of the IL-6 serum level as a reliable marker for functional disability, and as a predictor of disability and mortality among elderly. Some cytokines, [37-40], for example, IL10 and TNF-α, have complex and predominantly opposing roles in the inflammatory responses. IL10 limits inflammatory responses, whereas TNF-α increases local and systemic inflammatory reactions. Interperson differences in the regulation of IL10 and TNF-α production may be critical with respect to the final outcome of an inflammatory response . The increased production of IL-6 and TNF-α and the reduced production of growth hormone and IGF-I are directly involved in the loss of fat-free mass during ageing. The individual genetic background and the eventual influence of counteracting cytokines could therefore play a determinating role in the onset of age-related diseases. Genetic variations located within the promoter regions of pro-inflammatory and regulatory cytokines could influence inflamm-ageing and the susceptibility to age-related diseases [13].
https://febs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1...005.02.055