Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 27, 2026
07:58
Quantitative Imaging of Lineage-specific Toll-like Receptor-mediated Signaling in Monocytes and Dendritic Cells from Small Samples of Human Blood
Published on: April 16, 2012
The effect of aging on mucosal host defense
1Immunology Research Laboratory, Department of Pediatrics, The New York Presbyterian Hospital-Cornell University Weill Medical College. 1300 York Avenue, New York, NY 10021, USA. scrundle@mail.med.cornell.edu
The Journal of Nutrition, Health & Aging
|January 20, 2004
Summary
Aging diminishes mucosal immune responses, potentially due to nutrient needs. Probiotic lactic acid bacteria may enhance immune function in older adults by stimulating natural killer cells and the innate immune system.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Gerontology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Mucosal immune responses are established early in life but decline with aging.
- Nutrient availability, especially during sub-acute infections, may limit immune responses in the elderly.
- Changes in the gut microbiome during aging can impact the mucosal immune system.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the hypothesis that increased nutrient requirements contribute to immune senescence in aging.
- To explore the potential of probiotic lactic acid bacteria to enhance mucosal and systemic immunity in aging individuals.
Main Methods:
- The study focuses on the interaction between gut microflora, nutrients, and the immune system in aging.
- Probiotic lactic acid bacteria were investigated as a method to stimulate the gastrointestinal immune system.
Main Results:
- Aging is associated with diminished mucosal immune responses to new antigens.
- Conditionally essential nutrient requirements may underlie immune senescence.
- Probiotic lactic acid bacteria show potential in enhancing immune responses in aging.
Conclusions:
- Nutrient availability is critical for maintaining immune function during aging.
- Probiotic interventions, such as lactic acid bacteria, may offer a strategy to bolster immune defenses in the elderly.
- Stimulation of natural killer (NK) cells and the innate immune system are proposed mechanisms for probiotic benefits.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Defense Mechanism Against Infection
Natural flora, body system defenses, and inflammation are natural barriers of the body against infectious agents regardless of previous exposure. Normal floras of the human body refer to the microbial population that colonizes the skin and mucous membranes.
In addition, many body organ systems have unique defenses against infection. The skin is an intact, multilayered surface preventing invasion by microorganisms unless impaired. Mucous membranes lining the mouth, nose, and eyelids are barriers...
In addition, many body organ systems have unique defenses against infection. The skin is an intact, multilayered surface preventing invasion by microorganisms unless impaired. Mucous membranes lining the mouth, nose, and eyelids are barriers...
01:26Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection
The hosts' susceptibility to infection depends on several factors. The integrity of the skin and mucous membranes helps protect the body against microbial attacks. When the skin is altered, the chance of infection, limb loss, and even death increases.
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin create...
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin create...
01:19The Effect of Aging on Tissues
Several body functions deteriorate with age. The external signs of aging are easily identifiable. For example, the skin becomes dry, less elastic, and thins out, forming wrinkles. The skin of the face begins to appear looser due to a decrease in the levels of elastic and collagen fibers in the connective tissue. Additionally, melanin production in the hair follicle decreases with age, resulting in gray hair. Moreover, the senses of sight and hearing decline, so glasses and hearing aids may...
01:18Surface Membrane Barriers
The skin and mucous membranes serve as the primary line of defense against pathogens by providing both physical and chemical protection. These barriers are essential in preventing the entry and establishment of microbes, thereby maintaining the integrity of the host.
The outer layer of the skin, the epidermis, is a robust barrier comprising layers of closely packed keratinized cells. This dense arrangement prevents microbes from penetrating the body. The periodic shedding of epidermal cells...
The outer layer of the skin, the epidermis, is a robust barrier comprising layers of closely packed keratinized cells. This dense arrangement prevents microbes from penetrating the body. The periodic shedding of epidermal cells...
01:24Pathophysiology of Peptic Ulcer Disease: Mucosal Defense Factors
Peptic ulcer disease, commonly called PUD, represents a multifaceted condition characterized by disruptions in the lining of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Central to the protection of the gastrointestinal lining is the mucosal-bicarbonate barrier. This physiological defense mechanism is a formidable shield against the corrosive effects of gastric acid and pepsin secretion in the stomach. Its role is pivotal in maintaining the structural integrity of the stomach's inner lining. Bicarbonate,...
01:22Pharmacokinetics in Geriatric Patients: Effect of Age on Drug Absorption
As individuals age, their body's physiology evolves, affecting drug pharmacokinetics. The most apparent changes occur in the gastrointestinal tract, where an increase in gastric pH, a delay in gastric emptying, and a reduction in gastrointestinal motility are observed. Remarkably, these changes do not substantially modify the absorption of orally administered drugs, particularly those absorbed via passive diffusion.Transdermal drug delivery emerges as a highly viable method for older adults due...