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The monitoring biomarker for immune function of lymphocytes in the elderly
1Department of Immunology, Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Beijing Hospital, I Dahua Lu, Dongdan, P.R. China.
Insights
Peripheral blood lymphocyte numbers and their response to phytohemagglutinin decrease with age in the elderly. Soluble IL-2 receptor levels also decline, indicating reduced immune function in older adults.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Gerontology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Immune function naturally declines with aging, a process known as immunosenescence.
- Peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) play a critical role in adaptive immunity.
- Understanding age-related changes in PBL is crucial for assessing elderly immune health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify peripheral blood lymphocyte (PBL) counts in the elderly.
- To assess the proliferative response of PBL to phytohemagglutinin (PHA) in aging individuals.
- To investigate age-associated changes in soluble IL-2 receptor (sIL-2R) levels.
Main Methods:
- Peripheral blood lymphocyte counts were determined using standard laboratory methods.
- Lymphocyte proliferation was measured via MTT assay after PHA stimulation.
- Soluble IL-2 receptor (sIL-2R) levels were quantified in serum samples.
Main Results:
- A statistically significant decrease in PBL number was observed with increasing age.
- The proliferative response of PBL to PHA was reduced in elderly individuals compared to younger controls.
- A notable decline in soluble IL-2 receptor (sIL-2R) release from activated PBL was found in the elderly.
Conclusions:
- Age-related decline in PBL number and proliferative capacity impacts immune function.
- Reduced sIL-2R levels in the elderly suggest impaired T-cell activation.
- PBL count and sIL-2R levels may serve as biomarkers for immune status in the elderly.
Abstract:
In this paper, we determined the number of peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) in the elderly and their proliferative response to PHA (Phytohemagglutinin). The data showed that the PBL number decreased with age. For the young group: 1680.0 +/- 644.7/microliters; the 60-69 years old group: 1284.0 +/- 492.3/microliters; the 70-79 years old group: 987.5 +/- 309.1/microliters, P < 0.05. The OD (optical density) value measured by MTT method for proliferative response of PBL in the elderly was 0.15 +/- 0.08, which was lower than the young group 0.18 +/- 0.05. Also, an apparent decline of soluble IL-2 receptor (sIL-2R) release from activated PBL in old people was found. The results suggested that the changes of PBL number and sIL-2R level could be considered as an indication of immune function of lymphocytes in the elderly.