Cytokine production by stimulated mononuclear cells did not change with aging in apparently healthy, well-nourished women

Aging is often associated with a dysregulation of the immune system. We exa mined mitogen-stimulated production of interleukin (IL)-2 and proinflammato ry cytokines, IL-1 beta and IL-6, in apparently healthy and generally well- nourished old versus young women. Subjects were screened for health using t he SENIEUR protocol and a panel of laboratory tests for inflammation, as we ll as for the adequacy of nutritional status using criteria related to unde rnutrition, and protein, iron, vitamin B-12, and folate status. Young (n = 26, age: 20-40 years) and old (n = 44, age: 62-88 years) cohorts did not di ffer on the number of circulating monocytes, granulocytes, B (CD19+) cells, and T (CD3+, CD4+, and CD8+) cells. No differences (P > 0.10) were seen be tween the two age groups in IL-2, IL-1 beta and IL-6 levels in whole blood cultures at 48 h after stimulation with PHA (5 mg/l). Furthermore, no age-r elated differences were noted in; the absolute amounts (pg) of IL-1 beta an d IL-6 after normalizing for circulating monocytes, B cells, or T cells (P > 0.10). Similarly, no age-related decline in,absolute amount of IL-2 (pg) after normalizing for circulating T cells was noted (P > 0.10). Thus, contr ary to most previous reports, our results do not support an increase in; th e production of proinflammatory cytokines IL-1 beta and IL-6, and a reduced production of IL-2 with aging when health and nutritional status are maint ained. These findings support our previous results of no change in monocyte function and few alterations in acquired immune response in a carefully se lected group of healthy and well-nourished elderly women. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.