Aging and its impact on innate immunity and inflammation: Implications for periodontitis

Abstract

The elderly exhibit increased susceptibility to a number of inflammatory or degenerative pathologies. Aging is similarly thought to be associated with increased prevalence and severity of periodontitis, although the underlying causes are poorly understood. Among the plausible mechanisms whereby aging could contribute to increased susceptibility to periodontitis are age-dependent alterations in the innate immune and inflammatory status of the host. This hypothesis is supported by studies in humans and animal models outlined in this Review. Indeed, innate immune cells isolated from elderly subjects exhibit age-related cell-intrinsic defects that could predispose the elderly to deregulated immune and inflammatory responses. Moreover, the investigation of age-related alterations in the tissue environment where recruited inflammatory cells ultimately function could provide complementary, if not better, insights into the impact of aging on periodontitis. Integrative approaches combining in vitro and in vivo mechanistic models are underway and can potentially contribute to targeted molecular therapies that can reverse or mitigate the effects of aging on periodontitis and other inflammatory diseases.

Age-related decline in the matrix contents and functional properties of human periodontal ligament stem cell sheets

“…Among the plausible mechanisms by which aging could contribute to increased susceptibility to periodontitis are age-dependent alterations in the innate immune and the inflammatory status of the host [29]. In addition, there is an age-associated decrease in the capacity of the periodontium for tissue homeostasis and self-repair.…”

Can Better Management of Periodontal Disease Delay the Onset and Progression of Alzheimer’s Disease?

“…While the aging process is associated with an increased likelihood of periodontitis [22] and dementia, their onset is by no means inevitable. Just as some individuals fail to progress beyond gingivitis [23], others 4 retain cognitive functioning throughout their life [24,25].…”

Aging Process Immunity and Its Relation with Periodontal Disease in Genetic Aspect

“…Among the plausible mechanisms in which aging may contribute to increased susceptibility to periodontitis is a change in the immunity and inflammation of agerelated host [10]. Once the antigen attacked the host, inflammatory response will follow.…”

“…Del-1 and IL-17 were regulated reciprocally and the reverse expression of Del-1 and IL-17 was observed in human gingival biopsy samples, with Del-1 dominating in healthy gingiva and IL-17 in the inflamed gingiva [14]. This regulatory mechanism is impaired in old age due to a decrease in Del-1 mRNA and expression of the age-related protein [10]. The number of changes that occur in the elderly, especially the periodontal conditions makes the researcher interested in analyzing the immunity of the aging process and its relation to periodontal disease in the genetic aspects.…”