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Markers of inflammation, vitamin E and peripheral nervous system function: the InCHIANTI study
Angelo Di Iorio1, Antonio Cherubini, Stefano Volpato
1Laboratory of Clinical Epidemiology, Department of Medicine and Sciences of Aging, University G. D'Annunzio, Via dei Vestini 5, 66013 Chieti Scalo, Italy. a.diiorio@unich.it
Neurobiology of Aging
|August 23, 2005
Summary
Nerve conduction velocity declines with age, but factors like diabetes and inflammation also significantly impact this decline. Uric acid and alpha-tocopherol levels are key predictors, independent of age.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Gerontology
- Physiology
Background:
- Peripheral nervous system aging involves morphologic and functional changes.
- Decreased nerve conduction velocity is linked to age-related declines in strength, sensation, and autonomic function.
- Understanding factors affecting nerve conduction velocity is crucial for addressing age-related functional impairments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the age-related decline in peripheral nerve conduction velocity.
- To identify factors influencing nerve conduction velocity independently of age.
Main Methods:
- Motor nerve conduction velocity of the superficial peroneal nerve was measured.
- A population-based sample aged 20-103 years from the InCHIANTI study was used.
- Standard neurophysiologic techniques were employed.
Main Results:
- Conduction velocities decreased linearly with age in both sexes.
- Diabetes, cognitive impairment, uric acid, sIL-6R, and alpha-tocopherol predicted nerve conduction velocity.
- These predictors were significant independent of age, sex, height, and other blood markers.
Conclusions:
- Inflammation and inadequate antioxidant defenses correlate with faster nerve conduction velocity decline.
- Findings support the role of oxidative stress and inflammation in age-related nerve dysfunction.
- Identifying modifiable factors could help mitigate age-associated nerve conduction velocity loss.