This review article explores the immunological alterations associated with frailty in older adults. Frailty is characterized by a heightened inflammatory state, evidenced by elevated serum levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP), and an increased number of circulating monocytes. These changes reflect a chronic, low-grade inflammation known as “inflammaging.”
This review examines how aging affects bone marrow (BM) function and its role in maintaining immunological memory. Aging leads to a decline in hematopoietic stem cell function, skewing differentiation towards myeloid over lymphoid lineages, resulting in reduced production of naïve T and B cells. Additionally, the BM microenvironment undergoes changes,
This 2016 study assessed the effects of aging on immune response and melanoma-specific survival (MSS) using data from three large cohorts: SEER (n=304,476), IMCG (n=1,241), and TCGA (n=292). Results showed that older patients were more likely to present with thicker, ulcerated tumors and advanced-stage disease, leading to poorer MSS. However,
The TRIIM (Thymus Regeneration, Immunorestoration, and Insulin Mitigation) trial examined the effects of a one-year intervention using recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH), dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), and metformin on epigenetic aging and immune system function in nine healthy men aged 51–65. The study demonstrated a significant reversal in biological age by an
This 2023 review explores the significance of the thymus in shaping T-lymphocyte immunity and its implications for immunotherapeutic strategies in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The thymus is crucial for generating a diverse T-cell repertoire during early life, but its function declines with age and disease, leading to impaired T-cell-mediated immunity.
This 2014 review examines the interplay between oxidative stress, inflammation, aging, and anxiety. It highlights that aging is associated with increased oxidative and inflammatory markers, particularly affecting the nervous and immune systems. The study discusses how anxiety can exacerbate these effects, leading to premature immunosenescence and reduced lifespan. Using a
This 2022 review explores the intricate relationship between gut microbiota and aging, emphasizing how age-related microbial dysbiosis contributes to immunosenescence and inflammaging. The study highlights that alterations in gut microbiota composition can influence systemic inflammation and immune responses, potentially leading to various age-associated diseases. It underscores the potential of modulating
This 2018 phase 2a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial evaluated the effects of selective TORC1 inhibition on immune function in 264 elderly participants. The study administered a low-dose combination of BEZ235 (a catalytic mTOR inhibitor) and RAD001 (everolimus, an allosteric mTOR inhibitor) for 6 weeks. Results showed a significant reduction in
This 2018 pilot study assessed the safety and feasibility of daily 1 mg rapamycin administration over 8 weeks in 25 healthy older adults aged 70–95. The treatment was generally well-tolerated, with minor adverse events including facial rash, stomatitis, and gastrointestinal discomfort. Notably, there were statistically significant reductions in erythrocyte parameters
This 2019 review published in International Journal of Molecular Sciences (DOI: 10.3390/ijms20051223, PMID: 30862067) explores the dual role of melatonin in aging and inflammation. Melatonin’s secretion decreases with age, leading to immune dysfunction and inflammatory diseases. The review discusses melatonin’s ability to both promote and suppress inflammation depending on the
