scholarly journals The Immunological Factors Predisposing To Severe COVID-19 Are Already Present In Healthy Elderly And Men

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gizem Kilic ◽  
Ozlem Bulut ◽  
Martin Jaeger ◽  
Rob ter Horst ◽  
Valerie Koeken ◽  
...  

Background: Male sex and old age are risk factors for COVID-19 severity, but the underlying causes are unknown. A possible explanation for this might be the differences in immunological profiles in males and the elderly before the infection. Given the seasonal profile of COVID-19, the seasonal response against SARS-CoV-2 could also be different in these groups. Methods: The abundance of circulating proteins and immune populations associated with severe COVID-19 was analyzed in 2 healthy cohorts. PBMCs of female, male, young, and old subjects in different seasons of the year were stimulated with heat-inactivated SARS-CoV-2. Results: Several T cell subsets, which are known to be depleted in severe COVID-19 patients, were intrinsically less abundant in men and older individuals. Plasma proteins increasing with disease severity, including HGF, IL-8, and MCP-1, were more abundant in the elderly and males. The elderly produced significantly more IL-1RA and had a dysregulated IFNγ response with lower production in the summer compared with young individuals. Conclusions: The immune characteristics of severe COVID-19, described by a differential abundance of immune cells and circulating inflammatory proteins, are intrinsically present in healthy men and the elderly. This might explain the susceptibility of men and the elderly to SARS-CoV-2 infection.

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gizem Kilic ◽  
Ozlem Bulut ◽  
Martin Jaeger ◽  
Rob ter Horst ◽  
Valerie A. C. M. Koeken ◽  
...  

Male sex and old age are risk factors for COVID-19 severity, but the underlying causes are unknown. A possible explanation for this might be the differences in immunological profiles in males and the elderly before the infection. With this in mind, we analyzed the abundance of circulating proteins and immune populations associated with severe COVID-19 in 2 healthy cohorts. Besides, given the seasonal profile of COVID-19, the seasonal response against SARS-CoV-2 could also be different in the elderly and males. Therefore, PBMCs of female, male, young, and old subjects in different seasons of the year were stimulated with heat-inactivated SARS-CoV-2 to investigate the season-dependent anti-SARS-CoV-2 immune response. We found that several T cell subsets, which are known to be depleted in severe COVID-19 patients, were intrinsically less abundant in men and older individuals. Plasma proteins increasing with disease severity, including HGF, IL-8, and MCP-1, were more abundant in the elderly and males. Upon in vitro SARS-CoV-2 stimulation, the elderly produced significantly more IL-1RA and had a dysregulated IFNγ response with lower production in the fall compared with young individuals. Our results suggest that the immune characteristics of severe COVID-19, described by a differential abundance of immune cells and circulating inflammatory proteins, are intrinsically present in healthy men and the elderly. This might explain the susceptibility of men and the elderly to SARS-CoV-2 infection.


2015 ◽  
Vol 61 (4) ◽  
pp. 329-335
Author(s):  
Wilson de Melo Cruvinel ◽  
Danilo Mesquita Júnior ◽  
Júlio Antônio Pereira Araújo ◽  
Karina Carvalho Samazi ◽  
Esper Georges Kállas ◽  
...  

SummaryIntroduction:aging is associated with several immunologic changes. Regulatory (Treg) and effector T cells are involved in the pathogenesis of infectious, neoplastic, and autoimmune diseases. Little is known about the effects of aging on the frequency and function of these T cell subpopulations.Methods:peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were obtained from 26 young (under 44 years old) and 18 elderly (above 80 years old) healthy women. T cell subpopulations were analyzed by flow cytometry.Results:elderly individuals had lower frequency of several activated effector T cell phenotypes as compared with young individuals: CD3+CD4+CD25+ (3.82±1.93 versus 9.53±4.49; p<0.0001); CD3+CD4+CD25+CD127+(2.39±1.19 versus 7.26±3.84; p<0.0001); CD3+CD4+CD25+ (0.41±0.22 versus 1.86±0.85, p<0.0001); and CD3+CD4+CD25highCD127+(0.06±0.038 versus 0.94±0.64, p<0.0001). Treg (CD3+CD4+CD25+CD127øFoxp3+) presented lower frequency in elderly individuals as compared to young adults (0.34±0.18 versus 0.76±0.48; p=0.0004) and its frequency was inversely correlated with age in the whole group (r=-0.439; p=0.013). The elderly group showed higher frequency of two undefined CD25øFoxp3+ phenotypes: CD3+CD4+CD25øFoxp3+(15.05±7.34 versus 1.65±1.71; p<0.0001) and CD3+CD4+CD25øCD127øFoxp3+(13.0±5.52 versus 3.51±2.87; p<0.0001).Conclusions:the altered proportion of different T cell subsets herein documented in healthy elderly women may be relevant to the understanding of the immunologic behavior and disease susceptibility patterns observed in geriatric patients.


2007 ◽  
Vol 292 (4) ◽  
pp. E1207-E1212 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ann M. Harris ◽  
Lorraine M. Lanningham-Foster ◽  
Shelly K. McCrady ◽  
James A. Levine

The association between free-living daily activity and aging is unclear because nonexercise movement and its energetic equivalent, nonexercise activity thermogenesis, have not been exhaustively studied in the elderly. We wanted to address the hypothesis that free-living nonexercise movement is lower in older individuals compared with younger controls matched for lean body mass. Ten lean, healthy, sedentary elderly and 10 young subjects matched for lean body mass underwent measurements of nonexercise movement and body posture over 10 days using sensitive, validated technology. In addition, energy expenditure was assessed using doubly labeled water and indirect calorimetry. Total nonexercise movement (acceleration arbitrary units), standing time, and standing acceleration were significantly lower in the elderly subjects; this was specifically because the elderly walked less distance per day despite having a similar number of walking bouts per day compared with the young individuals. The energetic cost of basal metabolic rate, thermic effect of food, total daily energy expenditure, and nonexercise activity thermogenesis were not different between the elderly and young groups. Thus, the energetic cost of walking in the elderly may be greater than in the young. Lean, healthy elderly individuals may have a biological drive to be less active than the young.


2021 ◽  
Vol 104 (2) ◽  
pp. 003685042110065
Author(s):  
Sylwia Dzięgielewska-Gęsiak ◽  
Karolina Wyszomirska ◽  
Edyta Fatyga ◽  
Ewa Wysocka ◽  
Małgorzata Muc-Wierzgoń

In elderly, hormones and oxidant-antioxidant interplay are suggested to mediate biochemical balance between adipose tissue to other tissues. Thus the study attempts to explore metabolic traits, plasma resistin, and oxidant-antioxidant markers in metabolic syndrome (MetS) in comparison to non-metabolic syndrome (non-MetS) elderly individuals. A total of 541 healthy elderly Caucasians, with no acute and/or chronic disorders were invited. After taking into account inclusion/exclusion criteria’s the MetS was defined as the presence of three out of five abnormal findings and allowed to divided groups into: non-metabolic syndrome, non-MetS ( n = 25, median age 69.0 years), and newly diagnosed MetS ( n = 29; median age 70.5 years) individuals. Glucose, plasma lipids, resistin (Res), thiobarbituric acid-reacting substances (TBARS), total antioxidant status (TAS), and Cu,Zn-superoxide dismutase (SOD-1) were measured. The MetS had higher resistin than non-MetS ( p < 0.04). The linear correlation (all at p < 0.05) showed correlation for Res&triacylglycerols ( R = 0.44), and for Res&diastolic blood pressure ( R = −0.58) and for SOD-1&fasting glucose ( R = −0.34) in MetS, while in the non-MetS group fasting glucose correlates with Res ( R = 0.58) and with TAS ( R = −0.43). The multiple regression analysis (alone and in combination) showed that independently from other factors resistin correlated positively with fasting glucose (β = 0.37; R = 0.58; R 2 = 0.23; p < 0.01) in all investigated elderly participants. In the MetS resistin correlated negatively with diastolic blood pressure (β = −0.68; R = 0.80; R 2 = 0.53; p = 0.0004) moreover in that group TAS correlated negatively with HDL-C (β = −0.71; R = 0.72; R 2 = 0.37; p = 0.01). While age correlated negatively with systolic blood pressure (β = −0.60; R = 0.62; R 2 = 0.14; p = 0.03) independently from other factors in the non-MetS group. Various metabolic factors contribute to maintain serum resistin and oxidant-antioxidant balance in the elderly people in the presence or absence of MetS. Resistin may serve as a predictor of MetS in the elderly, while strong antioxidant defense interactions in older individuals may indicate good health.


Author(s):  
Sushma S. ◽  
Medha Y Rao ◽  
Shaikh Mohammed Aslam

Abstract Background Studies in healthy elderly patients have shown the prevalence of autonomic dysfunction (AD) in the range of 20 to 30%. However, there is paucity in data pertaining to AD in the elderly in the Indian context. Objective To assess the prevalence of AD in the elderly irrespective of their comorbidity status. Methods A total of 141 elderly patients with or without comorbidities/symptoms of AD were included. Demographic and clinical details of the patients were recorded. Autonomic function tests (AFTs) such as deep breathing test, Valsalva ratio, orthostatic heart rate (OHR), isometric handgrip test, and orthostatic blood pressure were performed based on Ewing’s battery of tests. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and the accuracy of AFTs were evaluated. Results Most patients (n = 85) were aged between 60 and 69 years, with a male predominance (58.87%). Hypertension and diabetes mellitus were the most common comorbidities. Postural hypotension was the most common symptom of AD. With advancing age, symptoms of AD manifested significantly more. Overall, 73.8% of patients had AD, of whom 45.4% had early AD. Number of AD symptoms, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level, and comorbid factors (diabetes and hypertension) were significantly associated with the results of AFTs (p < 0.05). AFTs were highly significant with respect to the results obtained (p < 0.001). Deep breathing test, abnormal in majority of study patients, has a sensitivity of 93.3% and OHR has a specificity of 81.1% to determine AD. Conclusion The study concludes that age itself is an independent predictor of AD, which increases in severity if associated with comorbidities.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 54-54
Author(s):  
Peter Treitler ◽  
Stephen Crystal ◽  
Richard Hermida ◽  
Jennifer Miles

Abstract High rates of opioid prescribing and comorbid medical conditions increase risk of overdose among older adults. As the US population ages and the rates of opioid use disorder (OUD) increase in the elderly population, there is a need to characterize trends and correlates of overdose in order to more effectively target policy and practice. Using a ~40% random sample of 2015-2017 Medicare beneficiaries ages 65 and older with Part D pharmacy coverage, this study examined medically treated opioid overdoses among US older adults. The sample included 13-14 million beneficiaries per year. The rate of medically treated opioid overdoses among elderly Medicare beneficiaries increased by 15% from 6 per 10,000 in 2015 to 6.9 per 10,000 in 2017. Those with overdose were disproportionately female (63%), non-Hispanic white (83%), with diagnoses of pain conditions (96%), with diagnoses of major depression (63%), and with high rates of conditions that decrease respiratory reserve such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. 13% had co-occurring diagnosed alcohol use disorder, 36% were diagnosed with opioid dependence or abuse, and 12% were diagnosed with hepatitis C. Older individuals with overdose represent a complex mix of risk factors; identifying those most at risk (as well as those who have very low risk, whose pain management may be compromised by overly-rigid interpretation of opioid use guidelines) is key in order to address multiple risks, balancing risk reduction with appropriate pain management.


Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 179
Author(s):  
Nicolas Amiez ◽  
Carole Cometti ◽  
Éric Mouillon ◽  
Marie José Teisseire ◽  
Pascal Chenut ◽  
...  

The risk of falling increases with age. Individuals wearing unadapted shoes present an aggravating risk factor. The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of specifically designed balance shoes on balance and postural stability in healthy elderly people compared to that of their usual shoes. In total, 21 healthy individuals aged 65–84 years (76.0 ± 8.0 years) performed balance tests (bipedal with open or closed eyes, unipedal with open eyes, limits of stability, and step cadence) while wearing their (i) personal shoes or (ii) balance shoes (Axis Comfort Development©). Three test sessions were conducted with personal and balance shoes. The first served as the baseline, and the other two were performed after a familiarization period of several days with the personal or balance shoes. The perception of balance shoe efficiency was documented using a questionnaire. The balance shoes significantly improved bipedal balance with closed eyes. Moreover, the familiarization period significantly improved unipedal balance with open eyes. Most subjects felt safer and stabler using balance shoes. The investigated specifically designed balance shoes were effective in elderly individuals in improving postural balance compared to personal shoes. The balance shoes could, therefore, reduce the falling risk in healthy elderly people.


Author(s):  
Kanda Sornkayasit ◽  
Amonrat Jumnainsong ◽  
Wisitsak Phoksawat ◽  
Wichai Eungpinichpong ◽  
Chanvit Leelayuwat

The beneficial physiological effects of traditional Thai massage (TTM) have been previously documented. However, its effect on immune status, particularly in the elderly, has not been explored. This study aimed to investigate the effects of multiple rounds of TTM on senescent CD4+ T cell subsets in the elderly. The study recruited 12 volunteers (61–75 years), with senescent CD4+ T cell subsets, who received six weekly 1-h TTM sessions or rest, using a randomized controlled crossover study with a 30-day washout period. Flow cytometry analysis of surface markers and intracellular cytokine staining was performed. TTM could attenuate the senescent CD4+ T cell subsets, especially in CD4+28null NKG2D+ T cells (n = 12; p < 0.001). The participants were allocated into two groups (low < 2.75% or high ≥ 2.75%) depending on the number of CD4+28null NKG2D+ T cells. After receiving TTM over 6 sessions, the cell population of the high group had significantly decreased (p < 0.001), but the low group had no significant changes. In conclusion, multiple rounds of TTM may promote immunity through the attenuation of aberrant CD4+ T subsets. TTM may be provided as a complementary therapy to improve the immune system in elderly populations.


Blood ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 103 (6) ◽  
pp. 2337-2342 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paolo Ghia ◽  
Giuseppina Prato ◽  
Cristina Scielzo ◽  
Stefania Stella ◽  
Massimo Geuna ◽  
...  

Abstract The responsiveness and diversity of peripheral B-cell repertoire decreases with age, possibly because of B-cell clonal expansions, as suggested by the incidence of serum monoclonal immunoglobulins and of monoclonal chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)–like B lymphocytes in clinically silent adults. We phenotyped peripheral blood cells from 500 healthy subjects older than 65 years with no history or suspicion of malignancies and no evidence of lymphocytosis. In 19 cases (3.8%) a κ/λ ratio of more than 3:1 or less than 1:3 was found: 9 were CD5+, CD19+, CD23+, CD20low, CD79blow, sIglow (classic CLL-like phenotype); 3 were CD5+, CD19+, CD23+, CD20high, CD79blow, sIglow (atypical CLL-like), and 7 were CD5-, CD19+, CD20high, CD23-, CD79bbright, FMC7+, sIgbright (non–CLL-like). In 2 subjects, 2 phenotypically distinct unrelated clones were concomitantly evident. No cases were CD10+. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis demonstrated a monoclonal rearrangement of IgH genes in 15 of 19 cases. No bcl-1 or bcl-2 rearrangements were detected. Using a gating strategy based on CD20/CD5/CD79 expression, 13 additional CLL-like B-cell clones were identified (cumulative frequency of classic CLL-like: 5.5%). Thus, phenotypically heterogeneous monoclonal B-lymphocyte expansions are common among healthy elderly individuals and are not limited to classic CLL-like clones but may have the phenotypic features of different chronic lymphoproliferative disorders, involving also CD5- B cells.


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