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The Interplay of Aging and the Immune System
Rajeev Aurora1, Brittani Lubeck1, Aarushi Choudhari1
1Department of Microbiology and Molecular Immunology, at Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA.
None:
Aging is a genetically regulated biological process. We review recent studies that highlight the role of the immune system, specifically chronic inflammation, in contributing to age-related decline and frailty. Of clinical importance, aging is a risk factor for multiple conditions. During childbearing years, women are largely protected from diseases associated with aging. However, menopause, which marks the loss of ovarian function, introduces a significant shift. An unexpected and remarkable discovery is that the decline in estrogen levels triggers chronic inflammation, which in turn promotes atherosclerosis, osteoporosis, and cognitive decline. Gaining a deeper understanding of the crosstalk between aging and the immune system is essential for advancing strategies that support healthy aging.
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