Comparative analysis of inflammatory cytokines and growth factors in young and old aged normal individuals

Abstract

IntroductionHuman aging is a complex phenomenon, characterized in part by chronic, low‐grade inflammation. This increased inflammation, known as “inflammaging”, is a risk factor for increased morbidity and mortality, as most of the diseases associated of aging involve an inflammatory pathogenesis. Accordingly, there is a need to understand the inflammation associated with aging in order to develop therapies targeting inflammaging that may have benefits in the elderly population.Specific AimTo compare the levels of cytokines in young (ages 18–55) and old aged (ages 55–85) normal individualsMaterials and MethodsAn Evidence investigator cytokine and growth factor biochip array (RANDOX laboratories Ltd.,) was used to perform simultaneous quantitative detection of multiple analytes namely IL‐1α, IL‐1β, IL‐2, IL‐4, IL‐6, IL‐8, IL‐10, VEGF, TNF‐α, IFN‐γ, EGF, and MCP‐1. The Randox biochip is a solid substrate with multiple specific cytokine antibodies attached at pre‐defined sites on the surface. Each cytokine is bound to its specific antibody and then appropriate enzyme‐labeled secondary antibodies are added. The cytokines are quantified by chemiluminescence using a charge‐coupled device camera and imaging system. The concentration of the analyte present in the sample was calculated from the calibration curveResultsThe levels of cytokines VEGF, TNFα, MCP1 and EGF (p>0.05) were observed to be significantly higher in the old aged normal individuals when compared to that in the young aged normals. Two tailed unpaired t test was used to determine whether there were any significant differences between the mean cytokine levels of the two groups and standard error was used for the error bars.ConclusionThe elevated levels of cytokines in the old aged patients could be a risk factor for morbidity and mortality. With age the damaged organelles, cells and macromolecules tend to accumulate and form host derived endogenous cell debris. There is also increased activation of coagulation system and immunosenescence on aging. All these may contribute as sources of inflammaging stimuli. Therefore, these cytokines can be used as biomarkers for the diagnosis and disease management of various age related pathogenesis.