Abstract
A number of studies have indicated that certain factors, including socioeconomic status and education, are associated with the functional health status of the elderly. Another relevant factor in aging is chronic subliminal inflammation, with increased levels of circulating inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), and soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 (sTNFR-1), commonly seen in the elderly. High levels of these inflammatory mediators could impair the functional capacity. In this respect, the aim of this cross-sectional study was to compare plasma levels of inflammatory mediators and functional capacity of older women living in three Brazilian counties with different Human Development Index. We evaluated 154 women aged ≥65 years, regardless of race and/or social status. IL-6 and sTNFR-1 plasma levels were measured by ELISA and the functional capacity by the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) test. Comparison among groups was performed using one-way ANOVA with Bonferroni post hoc correction, Kruskal–Wallis, and Mann–Whitney U tests. Women that lived in one of the counties with high HDI had lower functional capacity (p < 0.001). The population from the county with the highest HDI had lower plasma levels of sTNFR-1 (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in plasma levels of IL-6 (p > 0.05). Besides this, women from the counties with lower HDI had a higher number of self-reported diseases and higher income (p < 0.05). Women that lived in the county with the highest HDI had a higher average education level (p < 0.05). The results showed differences in functional capacity and plasma levels of sTNFR-1 between the counties. In addition, the level of education, family income, and number of self-reported diseases show regional diversities in the aging process, suggesting these factors having an influence on inflammatory mediators and functional capacity.
Highlights
Increased life expectancy is a fact in our society
High level of education seems to be a determinant of favorable working conditions, higher income, and better access to health care, all of which positively impact functional capacity [7]. eoretically, Human Development Index (HDI), which is a measure of Journal of Aging Research health, education, and income may be related to the functional capacity of the elderly
Given the higher life expectancy of women associated with the regional heterogeneities of the aging process, socioeconomic level, educational and clinical differences, it is suggested that comparing functional capacity of older women from different counties with different HDI can contribute to further knowledge of the functional capacity and the inflammatory stage of these older women [2, 5, 9, 10]. us, it is believed that studying possible differences in the functional capacity and plasma indices of inflammatory mediators in women living in cities with specific characteristics may increase knowledge about these interrelationships. erefore, in this study, we hypothesized that older women living in cities with very high HDI were in better functional capacity and had lower levels of inflammatory mediators
Summary
Increased life expectancy is a fact in our society. this can only be considered an achievement when it enhances people’s quality of life [1]. Us, it is believed that studying possible differences in the functional capacity and plasma indices of inflammatory mediators in women living in cities with specific characteristics may increase knowledge about these interrelationships.
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