title: Nutrition and age-associated inflammation: implications for disease prevention.
abstract: Accumulating evidence suggests that aging is associated with dysregulated immune and inflammatory responses. Investigation into the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying this phenomenon suggests that an up-regulated cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 expression, and resulting increase in production of prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)), is a critical factor. Macrophages from old mice have significantly higher levels of PGE(2) production compared with those from young mice, a result of increased COX-2 expression and protein levels leading to increased COX enzyme activity. Furthermore, studies suggest that the age-associated increase in macrophage PGE(2) production is due to ceramide-induced up-regulation of nuclear factor-kappa B activation. Such processes may also occur in cell types other than macrophages, lending further insight into potential mechanisms of age-related diseases. Moreover, the excess PGE(2) induces harmful effects in other cell types such as T cells and adipocytes through the negative crosstalk between macrophages with other cells, resulting in further increased susceptibility to diseases. Nutrient/dietary medications, such as antioxidants and certain lipids have suggested a promising route to reduce the age-related increase in COX activity and PGE(2) production that is associated with several disease states.
authors.affiliation: JMUSDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, Tufts University, Boston, Massachusetts 02111, USA. simin.meydani@tufts.edu
authors.forename: Simin Nikbin
authors.initials: SN
authors.lastname: Meydani
authors.forename: Dayong
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Wu
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging / Q000276:immunology* / Q000502:physiology; D002518:Ceramides / Q000378:metabolism; D051546:Cyclooxygenase 2 / Q000378:metabolism*; D015232:Dinoprostone / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000201:enzymology / Q000276:immunology*; D008264:Macrophages / Q000201:enzymology / Q000276:immunology; D009747:Nutritional Physiological Phenomena / Q000276:immunology / Q000502:physiology*; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000201:enzymology / Q000276:immunology; D015854:Up-Regulation
chemical_list: D002518:Ceramides; D051546:Cyclooxygenase 2; D015232:Dinoprostone