ANTIOXIDANTS AND IMMUNE-RESPONSE IN AGED PERSONS - OVERVIEW OF PRESENT EVIDENCE

The oxidant-antioxidant balance is an important determinant of immune cell function, including maintaining the integrity and functionality o f membrane lipids, cellular proteins, and nucleic acids and controllin g signal transduction and gene expression in immune cells. Optimal amo unts of antioxidants are needed for maintenance of the immune response across all age groups. This need might be more critical, however, in aged persons. Age-associated dysregulation of immune response, particu larly of T cell-mediated function, is well documented. The well-known age-related increase in free radical formation and lipid peroxidation contributes, at least in part, to this phenomenon. We summarize animal and human studies undertaken by ourselves as well as other investigat ors on the effects of antioxidants, vitamin E, beta-carotene, and glut athione on the immune response of aged persons. The underlying mechani sms for the antioxidant nutrients' effects as well as their health imp lications for aged persons are discussed.