Effects of antioxidants on immune system ageing

Abstract

One of the most widely accepted theories proposed to explain ageing is the free radical theory, according to which oxygenderived free radicals cause age-related impairment through oxidative damage to biomolecules, with mitochondria being the main target of free radical attack. Since oxygen radicals are needed for many metabolic and physiological processes, an equilibrium between radical production and their antioxidant-linked inactivation is required to preserve health. Thus, senescence is the result of an imbalance between free radical production and antioxidant defences, with concomitant oxidative stress and age-dependent functional decline. This process is especially evident in the immune cells, which use free radicals in their functions and suffer a senescent deterioration probably linked to oxygen stress. Conversely, several laboratories, including our own, have shown that antioxidants preserve an adequate function of immune cells against homeostatic disturbances caused by oxidative stress, such as that involved with age. Therefore, since the immune system is an indicator of health and a longevity predictor, the protection of this system afforded by dietary antioxidant supplementation may play an important role in order to achieve a healthy ageing.

Age-related oxidative stress and antioxidant parameters in middle-aged and older European subjects: the ZENITH study

“…Several theories have been proposed to explain the ageing process, but there is increasing evidence that ageing might be caused by the deleterious and cumulative effects of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated throughout the lifespan (Harman, 1956;Knight, 2000;De La Fuente, 2002;Junqueira et al, 2004). Oxidative stress has been reported to increase in elderly subjects, possibly arising from an uncontrolled production of free radicals by ageing mitochondria and decreased antioxidant defences.…”

One Can Slow Down the Aging through Antioxidants

“…A study in 72-year-old women with coronary artery disease or major depression, obtained in 4 weeks with 200 mg of vitamin E and 1 g of vitamin C per day, an optimization of the anti-infectious defenses and a reduction Of circulating oxidized fats (De and Fuente, 2002;Tosato et al, 2007).…”

Healthy Aging

“…immunity theory which states that the immune system can be programmed by a decrease in its functionality, immunosenescence, which will lead to increased susceptibility to infectious diseases, respectively ageing [15,16,25,26]. Theories which put the ageing process due to internal and external environmental factors [10] free radicals theory which stipulates that the superoxide and other free radicals destroy the molecular components of cells and thus alter their normal function [11].…”