Effects of caloric restriction and exercise on age-related, chronic inflammation assessed by C-reactive protein and interleukin-6.
Chronic inflammation is associated with the aging process and numerous age-related pathologies. We evaluated the effects of age, caloric restriction (CR), and exercise on plasma C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6, and total antioxidant capacity in Fisher 344 rats. The inflammatory markers were analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), while total antioxidant potential was determined by a spectrophotometric method. An increase in circulating levels of CRP with age was attenuated with long-term 40% CR; short-term 40% CR in young animals also reduced CRP concentration compared to age-matched controls. Lifelong exercise with 8% CR showed a marked decrease in CRP levels compared to 8% CR controls and an even greater reduction compared to ad libitum-fed rats. Plasma interleukin-6 levels remained unchanged with age, CR, and exercise, whereas inflammation levels showed an inverse association with plasma antioxidant status. These studies highlight the anti-inflammatory effects of CR and exercise.
Department of Aging and Geriatric Research, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA.
Rizwan
R
Kalani
Sharon
S
Judge
Christy
C
Carter
Marco
M
Pahor
Christiaan
C
Leeuwenburgh
D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D000818:Animals; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000378:metabolism; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000378:metabolism*; D031204:Caloric Restriction; D002908:Chronic Disease; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D007249:Inflammation / Q000097:blood* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D015850:Interleukin-6 / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D010805:Physical Conditioning, Animal / Q000502:physiology*; D051381:Rats; D011916:Rats, Inbred F344
D000975:Antioxidants; D015850:Interleukin-6; D002097:C-Reactive Protein