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Effects of aging upon the host response to implants
Daniel Hachim1,2, Na Wang1, Samuel T Lopresti1,2
1McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, 450 Technology Drive, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15219.
Journal of Biomedical Materials Research. Part A
|January 29, 2017
Summary
Aging significantly alters the host macrophage response to implanted polypropylene mesh, showing delayed immune resolution in older mice. This highlights the need to consider age-related immune changes in medical device development.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Immunology
- Aging Research
Background:
- Macrophage polarization is a key predictor of outcomes after material implantation.
- Aging is associated with immunosenescence and dysregulated immune responses, suggesting age-related differences in material interactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of aging on the host macrophage response to polypropylene mesh.
- To compare the host response in young (8-week-old) versus aged (18-month-old) mice.
Main Methods:
- Implantation of polypropylene mesh into mice of two different age groups.
- Analysis of macrophage surface marker expression, migration, and polarization.
- Assessment of the resolution of the host immune response.
Main Results:
- Significant differences observed in macrophage response between young and aged mice.
- Delayed resolution of the host response in 18-month-old mice compared to 8-week-old mice.
- Differences were not solely due to cell-intrinsic defects, indicating microenvironment influence.
Conclusions:
- Host macrophage response to implants is influenced by aging and the local tissue microenvironment.
- Age-related immune changes necessitate tailored material and device design for elderly patients.
- Understanding patient- and context-dependent macrophage responses can improve outcomes in aged individuals.
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