Psychoneuroimmunology and Aging

Abstract

Background: The senescence of the immune system is a complex phenomenon, characterized by impairment of several lymphocyte activities and generally considered a state of immune dysregulation. Aging is a condition associated with many social changes likely to induce psychological stress, which is often perceived as uncontrollable and can lead, in some cases, to clinically relevant depression. In the recent years a growing interest has been raised for the study of bidirectional interactions between the central nervous system and the immunological network (psychoneuroimmunology). Objective and Methods: We analyzed the possibility that chronic psychological distress and depression could worsen some immune functions in the aged. We postulate the neuroendocrine mechanisms of psychoimmune interaction, analyzing both the human and animal studies focused on aging. Results: The data from the literature reviewed suggest a significant impact of affective disorders on immune functions in the elderly subjects. This psychoimmune imbalance appears particularly important when the studies are carried out in otherwise healthy aged people. Conclusions: Here we reviewed the relationships between psychological stress and depression and immunological functions, with particular regard to those aspects pertinent to the aging process. The clinical relevance of these interactions remains to be elucidated, but the high frequency in the aged of autoimmune, infectious, and neoplastic diseases suggests to focus on the psychoneuroimmune interactions in the old age. We also propose some outlines for future studies concerning psychoneuroimmunology and aging.

Age-related impairment of human T lymphocytes’ activation: specific differences between CD4+ and CD8+ subsets

“…However, we could show that aging affects CD4 + cells that interact with B lymphocytes. A defective T helper activity might contribute to an altered B cell functionality and could account for one aspect of the altered humoral activity associated with aging (Guidi et al, 1998). Natural killer lymphocytes are supposed to be involved in immunosurveillance against tumors and in viral defense.…”

“…A decline of immune function, termed immunosenescence, has been known for decades, mainly involving specific immunity (Guidi et al, 1998;Pawelec et al, 1999;Castle, 2000;Ginaldi et al, 2001;Linton and Thoman, 2001). However, the causes for immunosenescence remain unclear.…”

“…Moreover, recent research indicates that the immune system is not autonomous. It interacts with the whole organism in bi-directional ways (Guidi et al, 1998). Close interaction of the central nervous system (CNS) and immune cells has become more evident in recent years.…”

Mudanças no estilo de vida e fatores de risco para doenças crônicas não transmissíveis e sistema imune de mulheres sedentárias

“…As alterações sociais que ocorrem com a idade podem causar estresse emocional e desregular o sistema imunológico do idoso. Pode haver prejuízo na atividade dos linfócitos com várias conseqüências negativas para o sistema imunológico 30 . Entretanto, quando os glóbulos brancos foram corrigidos pelo peso corporal, a associação positiva com a idade desapareceu e a concentração de linfócitos não foi associada à idade, porém, não se mediu a sua atividade.…”

Need for an External Proficiency Testing Program for Cytokines, Chemokines, and Plasma Markers of Immune Activation

“…Autoimmune disorders with activation include rheumatoid arthritis (10), inflammatory bowel disease (17), and multiple sclerosis (8). Immune activation has also been shown to be characteristic of aging, depression, and possibly some forms of chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia (9). The role of immune activation in the pathogenesis of HIV and AIDS is receiving increasing attention.…”