title: Cytokine serum profile in a group of Sicilian nonagenarians.
abstract: The aim of our study was to evaluate the possibility of using multiplex analysis of the cytokine profile as a marker for successful aging by comparing cytokine plasmatic levels of a group of Sicilian nonagenarians with those of young controls. We analyzed a panel of 17 cytokines, comprehensive of haematopoietic factors T helper 1 (Th1), Th2, inflammation regulatory cytokines, and chemokines. The assay was carried out using the Luminex system. Interleukin (IL)-6 levels (p = 0.01) were increased in nonagenarians, whereas no modifications of other proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines were observed. Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and IL-2 levels are unmodified, suggesting a substantial maintenance of relevant T cell functions. In addition, a significant increase of IL-12 serum levels in nonagenarians versus young controls that might be related to the increase of natural killer (NK) cell functions characterizing aging processes was observed. The analysis of Th2 cytokines show an increase of IL-13 and a reduction of IL-4 levels mirroring the maintenance of some effector's mechanisms of the immunoresponse in advanced ages. Our results suggest that the multiplex analysis of cytokine levels might be useful in defining a successful aging profile.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biopathology and Medical and Forensic Biotechnology, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.
authors.forename: Marisa
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Palmeri
authors.forename: Gabriella
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Misiano
authors.forename: Mariano
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Malaguarnera
authors.forename: Giusi Irma
authors.initials: GI
authors.lastname: Forte
authors.forename: Loredana
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Vaccarino
authors.forename: Salvatore
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Milano
authors.forename: Letizia
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Scola
authors.forename: Calogero
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Caruso
authors.forename: Massimo
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Motta
authors.forename: Domenico
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Maugeri
authors.forename: Domenico
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Lio
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001774:Blood Chemical Analysis; D016207:Cytokines / Q000097:blood* / Q000276:immunology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012802:Sicily
chemical_list: D016207:Cytokines