CORRELATION BETWEEN THE LIPID PROFILE AND THE IMMUNOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS IN THE ELDERLY

Some changes in lipid metabolism and immune status occurring at aging are accompanied with development of inflammatory metabolic disorders and age-associated pathologies. It is well-known that permanent stimulation of immune responses may lead to hyperlipidemia that, in its turn, may evoke immune disturbances and affect the auto-inflammation processes. It seems important to explore a mutual relationship between lipid metabolites and immunology markers in order to better manage the age-associated diseases. In Georgian population the study on associations between the lipid metabolism and the immunological parameters might be especially interesting due the specific geo-climate environment and dietary peculiarities of the country. Study involved 250 healthy volunteers at the age of 18-80 years that were tested on the lymphocyte sub-populations (CD3+CD4+, CD3+CD8+, CD4+CD8+, CD4+CD25+FoxP3+) in peripheral blood, as well as on the levels of lipids (Low-and High density lipoproteins, triglycerides and total cholesterol levels. The study revealed statistically significant differences between the under-60 and above-60 age groups by the level of lipids (low density lipoproteins and total cholesterol) and of CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ cell counts in the healthy population of Georgia. Meanwhile, the lipid fractions (low density lipoproteins, triglycerides and total cholesterol) showed statistically reliable positive correlation with CD4+CD8+ cell but negative correlation with CD4+CD25+FoxP3+cell counts.