Growth differentiation factor-15 is associated with age-related monocyte dysfunction
Brandt D Pence1,2, Johnathan R Yarbro1,3, Russell S Emmons1
1College of Health Sciences University of Memphis Memphis Tennessee USA.
Aging Medicine (Milton (N.S.W))
|March 19, 2021
Summary
Growth Differentiation Factor-15 (GDF-15) is linked to reduced monocyte function and mitochondrial capacity in aging. This suggests GDF-15 may drive immunosenescence and offers a therapeutic target for immune aging.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Gerontology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Aging impairs immune cell function, particularly myeloid cells like monocytes, affecting phagocytosis and antigen presentation.
- Monocyte mitochondrial dysfunction and reduced inflammatory responses are observed with aging.
- Growth Differentiation Factor-15 (GDF-15), a TGF-β superfamily member, exhibits anti-inflammatory properties and is differentially expressed in aging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of circulating factors, specifically GDF-15, in age-related monocyte dysfunction.
- To determine the correlation between GDF-15 levels and specific monocyte functions in aging individuals.
Main Methods:
- Assayed circulating GDF-15 levels in biobanked plasma samples from previous studies.
- Examined correlations between plasma GDF-15 levels and monocyte functional parameters.
Main Results:
- Monocyte interleukin-6 production upon lipopolysaccharide stimulation was negatively correlated with plasma GDF-15 levels.
- Plasma GDF-15 levels showed a positive correlation with circulating CD16+ monocyte proportions.
- A negative correlation was observed between GDF-15 and monocyte mitochondrial respiratory capacity.
Conclusions:
- GDF-15 is a potential circulating factor influencing various monocyte functions.
- Elevated GDF-15 may promote monocyte immunosenescence, contributing to age-related immune decline.
- GDF-15 represents an attractive therapeutic target for interventions aimed at ameliorating immune aging.
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