Targeting inflammation to slow or delay functional decline: where are we?
The role of inflammation in the pathophysiology of chronic age-related diseases is increasingly recognized, and inflammation could represent the common pathway linking diseases and disability. Thus, targeting inflammation could represent a useful strategy at preventing or delaying functional decline. In this paper we review recent evidence suggesting that selected drugs, such as statins, fibrates, angiotensin converting enzyme-inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers, and physical exercise may be able to contrast functional decline by blunting inflammation. Results from randomized trials investigating the effects of physical activity programs on inflammation and functional decline is still limited, and further investigations are warranted.
Corsonello
Andrea
A
Unit of Geriatric Pharmacoepidemiology, Research Hospital of Cosenza, Italian National Research Centre on Aging (INRCA), C. da Muoio Piccolo, 87100 Cosenza, Italy. andrea_corsonello@tin.it
Garasto
Sabrina
S
Abbatecola
Angela Marie
AM
Rose
Giuseppina
G
Passarino
Giuseppe
G
Mazzei
Bruno
B
Pranno
Luigi
L
Guffanti
Enrico Eugenio
EE
Bustacchini
Silvia
S
Lattanzio
Fabrizia
F
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D002908:Chronic Disease; D015444:Exercise; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000503:physiopathology*