Cytokines and hormones as possible links between endocrinosenescence and immunosenescence

Deterioration of the immune system and the endocrine system during aging is thought to contribute to increased morbidity and mortality. Since bidirect ional interrelations of both systems are present in the young and in the el derly, endocrinosenescence modulates the immune system and immunosenescence changes the endocrine system. This review focuses on age-related changes o f the two systems and provides examples for the interaction of both systems during aging. It is demonstrated that both systems modulate each other in a probably unfavorable way which may be a cofactor in the aging process. Un derstanding of these bidirectional physiological mechanisms will help to de fine targets for therapeutical intervention to improve the health of aging people. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science BN. All rights reserved.