Plasma interleukin-6 and soluble IL-6 receptors are associated with psychological well-being in aging women.
OBJECTIVE
This study tested the hypothesis that psychological well-being would predict lower plasma levels of inflammatory factors in aging women.


METHODS
One hundred thirty-five women ages 61-91 years (M = 74.5 years) participated in this study. After completing self-administered questionnaires in their homes, participants stayed overnight at the General Clinical Research Center (GCRC) at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Blood samples for cytokine analyses were obtained in participants' homes after the GCRC visit.


METHODS
Psychological well-being and ill-being, history of health problems, and health behaviors were assessed via self-administered questionnaires. Detailed medical history and concurrent health measures were obtained during the GCRC stay. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were used to determine interleukin-6 (IL-6) and soluble IL-6 receptor (sIL-6R) concentrations in plasma.


CONCLUSIONS
Regression analyses showed that plasma IL-6 levels were lower in women scoring higher on positive relationships, whereas sIL-6R levels were lower in women scoring higher on purpose in life, even after a variety of sociodemographic and health factors were controlled. These outcomes, combined with the absence of significant links with other measures of well-being and ill-being, suggest selective patterns of association between later life inflammatory processes and psychological factors, particularly those focused on positive ties with others and purposeful engagement.
Friedman
Elliot M
EM
Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53726-2397, USA. friedman1@wisc.edu
Hayney
Mary
M
Love
Gayle D
GD
Singer
Burton H
BH
Ryff
Carol D
CD
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015850:Interleukin-6 / Q000032:analysis* / Q000097:blood*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D015850:Interleukin-6