The association between cytomegalovirus infection and aging process.
Analysis of published scientific data suggests that cytomegalovirus infection has an effect on aging process in human, in particular on immunosenescence, resulting in an increased incidence of infectious diseases and consequent mortality in elderly individuals. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between cytomegalovirus infection and a character of aging (premature, physiological, and slow).


METHODS
In accordance with special criteria of the assessment of biological age, 146 healthy elderly women aged 60-90 years were divided into three groups: Group 1--slow aging group (37 women, 25.4%); Group 2--physiological aging group (58 women, 39.7%); Group 3--premature aging group (51 women, 34.9%). Immune response to cytomegalovirus was studied using methods of enzyme immunoassay and indirect immunofluorescence.


RESULTS
Comparing immune response to cytomegalovirus in different aging groups, highest titres of both IgG antibodies against early antigens and IgA antibodies against late structural antigens were found in premature aging group. Results showed that premature aging was associated with an increased level of IgA antibodies characteristic for cytomegalovirus symptomatic infection and its frequent reactivations.


CONCLUSIONS
Cytomegalovirus infection is associated with an increased risk of premature aging (OR=9.8; P<0.01).
Kanapeckiene
Virginija
V
Institute of Hygiene, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania. virginija.kanapeckiene@hi.lt
Kalibatas
Julius
J
Redaitiene
Elvyra
E
Ceremnych
Jelena
J
D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging; D003587:Cytomegalovirus / Q000276:immunology*; D003586:Cytomegalovirus Infections / Q000150:complications* / Q000276:immunology; D005260:Female; D019084:Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Indirect; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D007070:Immunoglobulin A / Q000032:analysis; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000032:analysis; D008875:Middle Aged; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012307:Risk Factors
D007070:Immunoglobulin A; D007074:Immunoglobulin G