Increased frequency of cluster of differentiation 14 (CD14+) monocytes expressing interleukin 1 beta (IL-1ß) in Alzheimer's disease patients and intermediate levels in late-onset depression patients.

OBJECTIVE: Depression might be a prodromal stage of dementia. Many factors contribute to the etiology of depression and dementia, being inflammation one of those. The present work measured and analyzed immune molecules involved in the innate immunity on cluster of differentiation 14 (CD14+) monocytes trying to investigate any relationship among late-onset depression (LOD) and Alzheimer's disease (AD). METHODS: Immune molecules were evaluated in monocytes of AD, LOD patients, and controls using flow cytometry. RESULTS: Interestingly, interleukin 1 beta (IL-1ß) expressing CD14+ monocytes were increased in AD patients compared with controls. LOD presented intermediate frequency of CD14+ monocytes expressing IL-1ß between controls and AD patients. CONCLUSION: Results suggest that an increased frequency of CD14+ monocytes expressing IL-1ß level could be a stage marker related to the pathophysiology of dementia process between normal aging and AD.

A nationwide study on immunosenescence biomarkers profile in older adults: ELSI-Brazil.

Immunosenescence is a phenomenon caused by changes in the immune system, and part of these changes involves an increase in circulating immunological biomarkers, a process known as "Inflammaging." Inflammaging can be associated with many diseases related to older people. As the older population continues to grow, understanding changes in the immune system becomes essential. While prior studies assessing these alterations have been conducted in countries with Caucasian populations, this investigation marks a pioneering effort. The object of the study is to describe for the first time that the distribution of cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors serum levels, assessed by Luminex platform, has been examined in a Brazilian population-based study of older adult females and males by age. Blood samples from 2111 participants (≥50 years old) were analyzed at the baseline (2015/2016) of the ELSI-Brazil study. The exploratory variables considered in the study were age, sex, educational level, residence area, geographic region, alcohol and smoking consumption, physical activity, and self-reported medical diagnoses of hypertension, diabetes, asthma, arthritis, and cancer. The association between serum biomarker levels and age was assessed by a quantile regression model adjusted in the total population and stratified by sex. The significance level considered in the analysis was 0.05. The mean age of the participants was 62.9 years, with a slight majority of female (52.7 %). Differences were found between the sexes in the median circulating levels of the CCL11, CXCL10, and FGF biomarkers. Eight biomarkers showed significant associations with age, including the pro-inflammatory CXCL10, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-17, and IL-2; and type 2/regulatory CCL11 and IL-4, showing positive associations, and anti-inflammatory IL-1Ra showing a negative association. The results suggest similar associations between the sexes, revealing an inflammatory profile characterized by types 1 and 2. Remarkably, these findings reinforce the concept of the Inflammaging process in Brazilian population. These findings add novel insights to about the immunosenescence aspects in middle-income countries and help define biomarkers capable of monitoring inflammation in older adults.

Rhythmic profile of memory T and B-cells along childhood and adolescence.

Immunobiography describes the life-long effects of exogenous or endogenous stimuli on remodeling of immune cell biology, including the development of memory T and B-cells. The present study aimed at investigating the rhythms of changes in phenotypic features of memory T and B-cells along childhood and adolescence. A descriptive-observational investigation was conducted including 812 healthy volunteers, clustered into six consecutive age groups (9Mths-1Yr; 2Yrs; 3-4Yrs; 5-7Yrs; 8-10Yrs; 11-18Yrs). Immunophenotypic analysis of memory T-cell (CD4+ and CD8+) and B-cell subsets were performed by flow cytometry. The results pointed out that memory-related biomarkers of T and B-cells displayed a bimodal profile along healthy childhood and adolescence, regardless of sex. The first stage of changes occurs around 2Yrs, with predominance of naive cells, while the second and more prominent wave occurs around the age 8-10Yrs, with the prevalence of memory phenotypes. The neighborhood connectivity profile analysis demonstrated that the number of correlations reaches a peak at 11-18Yrs and lower values along the childhood. Males presented higher and conserved number of correlations when compared to females. Altogether, our results provide new insights into immunobiography and a better understanding of interactions among the cellular subsets studied here during childhood and adolescence.

Association between tryptophan hydroxylase-2 gene and late-onset depression.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine the association between polymorphisms (SNP) in the tryptophan hydroxylase-2 (TPH2) gene and late-onset depression (LOD) in the Brazilian population. METHODS: We genotyped 8 tag SNPs in the TPH2 gene in 84 outpatients with LOD and 79 individuals belonging to the comparison group to investigate an association between the TPH2 gene and LOD. RESULTS: Our findings suggested an association between tag SNP rs4565946 heterozygous C/T (p = 0.034; χ2 = 6.7; df = 2) and decreased risk of LOD. The tag SNP rs11179000 ancestral homozygous A/A (p = 0.025; χ2 = 7.3; df = 2) and increase risk of LOD and allelic association of ancestral allele A and increase risk of LOD was demonstrated (p = 0.005; χ2 = 7.8; df = 1). CONCLUSION: We found the statistically significant association between two tag SNPs and LOD. Our results support the hypothesis that the TPH2 gene is associated with LOD.

[Seroprevalence and factors associated with chronic infections among community-dwelling elderly individuals]. / Soroprevalência e fatores associados a infecções crônicas entre idosos residentes na comunidade.

Chronic infections can contribute to the aging process, but this issue is less studied in Latin America. The aim was to assess the prevalence and factors associated with cytomegalovirus (CMV), Herpes Simplex 1 (HSV-1), Chlamydia pneumoniae and Helicobacter pylori among the elderly. A total of 1,320 individuals participated from the baseline of the Elderly Cohort of Bambuí. IgG antibodies against infections and explanatory variables (sociodemographic factors, health behaviors and health conditions) were evaluated. Poisson regression models with robust variance were used. Seroprevalence rates were 99.4% for CMV, 96.7% for HSV-1, 56% for C. pneumoniae and 70.5% for H. pylori. Elderly men, women, smokers, diabetics, the disabled and those with high levels of IL-6 had a higher prevalence of CMV. HSV-1 was less frequent among women. The prevalence of C. pneumoniae was higher at ages >75 and among diabetics; it was lower among women and individuals with less schooling. H. pylori was less frequent among women and those with detectable levels of IL-1ß, but more common among smokers. The findings show a high prevalence of chronic infection and a different epidemiologic profile for each pathogen, making it possible to detect groups that are vulnerable to these infections.

Infecções crônicas podem contribuir com o processo de envelhecimento, mas isso ainda é pouco explorado na América Latina. O objetivo foi avaliar a prevalência e os fatores associados ao citomegalovírus (CMV), Herpes simples 1 (HSV-1), Chlamydia pneumoniae e Helicobacter pylori entre idosos. Participaram 1.320 indivíduos da linha de base da Coorte de Idosos de Bambuí. Foram avaliados anticorpos (IgG) para as infecções e variáveis exploratórias (sociodemográficas, comportamentos em saúde e condições de saúde). Utilizaram-se modelos de regressão de Poisson com variância robusta. A prevalência foi de 99,4% para CMV, 96,7% para HSV-1, 56,0% para C. pneumoniae e 70,5% para H. pylori. Os mais velhos, mulheres, fumantes, diabéticos, incapazes e com maiores níveis de IL-6 tinham maior prevalência de CMV. HSV-1 foi menos frequente entre as mulheres. Infecção por C. pneumoniae foi maior entre os mais velhos e diabéticos; e menor entre mulheres e os menos escolarizados. H. pylori foi menos frequente entre as mulheres e naqueles com maiores níveis de IL-1ß, mas mais comuns entre os fumantes. Os achados mostram elevada prevalência de infecções crônicas e diferentes perfis epidemiológicos para cada patógeno, permitindo a detecção de grupos vulneráveis a essas infecções.

Cytomegalovirus and herpes simplex type 1 infections and immunological profile of community-dwelling older adults.

Chronic infections, such as cytomegalovirus (CMV) and herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), contribute to the inflammation process among older adults and are associated with the immunosenescence process. The aim was to identify the immunological profile associated with CMV and HSV-1 infections among older adults. This is a cross-sectional study, carried out with 1492 participants from the Bambuí Cohort Study of Aging - Minas Gerais, Brazil. For analysis purposes, we considered the presence of immunoglobulin G (IgG) for CMV and HSV-1 in the participants' serum, assessed by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA); outcomes were defined by titration above the median (>160 UR/mL for HSV-1 and >399.5 U/mL for CMV). In order to assess the immunological profile, the following biomarkers were considered: IL-1beta, IL-10, IL-12, TNF, CXCL8, CXCL9, CXCL10, CCL2, CCL5, IL-6 and CRP; the first four being categorized as detectable levels or not, and the others using the Classification and Regression Tree (CART) method. The analysis was adjusted for sociodemographic variables, health behaviors and health conditions. The seroprevalence of anti CMV and anti HSV-1 antibodies was 99.4% and 97.0%, respectively. Higher concentrations of CXCL8 and CCL5 chemokines were associated with lower antibody titers for CMV, and higher concentrations of CXCL9, IL-6 and CRP were associated with higher levels of antibodies to CMV. Moreover, intermediate levels of CXCL10 were also associated with higher levels of antibodies to CMV. In HSV-1 infection, intermediate levels of CXCL9, CCL5 and IL-6 were less likely to have higher antibody titers for this infection. On the other hand, higher levels of CXCL10 and CRP were positively associated with higher antibody titers for HSV-1. The results describe important immunological changes and reinforce the potential effect of CMV and HSV-1 on the immunosenescence process.

Chlamydia pneumoniae and Helicobacter pylori infections and immunological profile of community-dwelling older adults.

Chronic bacterial infections are associated with changes in the immunosenescence process and immunological biomarkers can assist in monitoring these changes. The identification of this immunological profile is important because Chlamydia pneumoniae (C. pneumoniae) and Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infections are important factors of morbidity and mortality among the older adults. This study aimed to identify changes in the immunological profile in the presence of C. pneumoniae and H. pylori infections among community-dwelling older adults. This is a cross-sectional study that used data from 1432 participants from the Bambuí Cohort Study of Aging, Minas Gerais, Brazil. The presence of immunoglobulin G (IgG) for C. pneumoniae and H. pylori was considered a dependent variable and assessed in the participants' serum using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In assessing the immunological profile, the following inflammatory markers were considered: CXCL8, CXCL9, CXCL10, CCL2, CCL5, IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, TNF, and CRP. Associations were assessed by logistic regression, estimating odds ratios and confidence intervals (95%) using the Stata® V.13.1 software. The seroprevalence of anti-C. pneumoniae and anti-H. pylori antibodies was 55.9% and 70.3%, respectively. While high levels of anti-C. pneumoniae antibodies were associated with higher concentrations of CXCL10 and IL-10, higher levels of IL-1ß and IL-6 were inversely associated with the titration of anti-H. pylori antibodies. The results characterize immunological profiles associated with these chronic infections and reinforce the potential effects of biomarkers on infections by these bacteria and on the immunosenescence process.

Inflammatory markers associated with fall recurrence and severity: The Bambuí Cohort Study of Aging.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to analyze the association between inflammatory markers and recurrent and severe falls in 1304 community-dwelling older adults from the Bambuí Cohort Study of Aging. METHODS: Information about falls in the previous 12 months was collected, and classified based on recurrence (two or more falls) and severity (requirement of medical attention). The screened biomarkers included interleukins (IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-10, and IL-12, TNF), chemokines (CXCL8, CXCL9, CXCL10, CCL2, and CCL5), and high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-PCR). Potential confounders included sociodemographic, behavioral, and health indicators. Associations were evaluated through logistic regression, using odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI), with Stata 13.1. RESULTS: The prevalence of recurrent and severe falls was 10.7% and 9.0%, respectively. After adjustments, elevated levels of IL-12 (OR: 1.92; 95% CI: 1.09-3.37) and CXCL9 (OR: 1.67; 95% CI: 1.05-2.66) were found to be associated with recurrent falls, while elevated levels of TNF (OR: 1.58; 95% CI: 1.01-2.50), IL-12 (OR: 2.04; 95% CI: 1.13-3.70), CXCL10 (OR: 1.75; 95% CI: 1.04-2.92), and CCL5 (OR: 1.90; 95% CI: 1.18-3.07) were associated with severe falls. CONCLUSIONS: The results highlight a wide range of biomarkers not yet explored in the literature and suggest that inflammation may be an important component of recurrent and severe falls.

CXCL9 and CXCL10 display an age-dependent profile in Chagas patients: a cohort study of aging in Bambui, Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Chagas disease is endemic in Latin America and still represents an important public health problem in the region. Chronic cardiomyopathy is the most significant chronic form due to its association with morbidity and mortality. The last decade has seen increasing evidence that inflammatory cytokines and chemokines are responsible for the generation of inflammatory infiltrate and tissue damage, with chronic chagasic cardiomyopathy patients presenting a pro-inflammatory immune response. Although studies have evaluated the role of chemokines in experimental T. cruzi infection, few have addressed their systemic profile, especially for human infection and in aging populations. The present work aimed to use the data from a large population based study of older adults, conducted in an endemic area for Chagas disease, to examine the association between serum levels of cytokines and chemokines, T. cruzi infection and electrocardiogram (ECG) abnormality. METHODS: The present work evaluated serum levels of CCL2, CXCL9, CXCL10, CCL5, CXCL8, IL-1ß, IL-6, TNF, IL-12 and IL-10 by Flow Cytometric Bead Array assay (CBA) and the results expressed in pg/ml. The baseline survey started in January 1st 1997, with 1284 participants of an aged population-based cohort. Participants signed an informed consent at baseline and at each subsequent visit and authorized death certificate and medical records verification. RESULTS: Our results demonstrated that Chagas disease patients had higher serum levels of CXCL9, CXCL10 and IL-1ß and lower serum levels of CCL5 than non-infected subjects. Moreover, our data demonstrated that CXCL9 and CXCL10 increased in an age-dependent profile in Chagas disease patients. CONCLUSION: Together, this study provided evidences that serum biomarkers increase along the age continuum and may have potential implications for establishing clinical management protocols and therapeutic intervention in Chagas disease patients.

Association of metabolic syndrome with inflammatory markers in a sample of community-dwelling older adults. / Associação entre síndrome metabólica e marcadores inflamatórios em idosos residentes na comunidade.

The study aimed to identify the cutoff points for inflammatory markers that best discriminate the occurrence of metabolic syndrome in community-dwelling older adults. Baseline data were used from the elderly cohort in the city of Bambuí, Minas Gerais State, Brazil. The target exposure was presence of metabolic syndrome, defined according to the Adult Treatment Panel III criterion, and the outcomes included the following inflammatory markers: cytokines (IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12 e TNF), chemokines (CXCL8, CXCL9, CCL2, CXCL10, and CCL5), and C-reactive protein (CRP). Definition of the cutoff points for the inflammatory markers was based on the Classification and Regression Tree (CART) method. The associations between these markers and metabolic syndrome were estimated by logistic regression models, obtaining odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals, considering adjustment for confounding factors. Prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 49.1%, and IL-1ß, IL-12, and TNF levels were not associated statistically with this exposure. After adjustment, presence of metabolic syndrome was associated with higher IL-6 and CRP levels and lower CXCL8 and CCL5. Significant associations were also observed with intermediate serum CXCL9 and CXCL10 levels. The combination of markers also showed a significant and consistent association with metabolic syndrome. In addition to demonstrating an association between metabolic syndrome and a wide range of biomarkers (some not previously described in the literature), the results highlight that this association occurs at much lower levels than previously demonstrated, suggesting that metabolic syndrome plays an important role in the inflammatory profile of the older adults.

O objetivo do trabalho foi identificar os pontos de corte dos marcadores inflamatórios que melhor discriminassem a ocorrência da síndrome metabólica entre idosos residentes na comunidade. Foram utilizados os dados da linha de base da coorte de idosos conduzida na cidade de Bambuí, Minas Gerais, Brasil. A exposição de interesse foi a presença da síndrome metabólica, definida pelo critério Adult Treatment Panel III, e os desfechos incluíram os seguintes marcadores inflamatórios: citocinas (IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12 e TNF), quimiocinas (CXCL8, CXCL9, CCL2, CXCL10 e CCL5) e proteína C-reativa (PCR). A definição dos pontos de corte dos marcadores inflamatórios foi baseada no método Classification and Regression Tree (CART). As associações entre esses marcadores e a síndrome metabólica foram estimadas por modelos de regressão logística, obtendo-se odds ratio e intervalos de 95% de confiança (IC95%), considerando o ajustamento por fatores de confusão. A prevalência da síndrome metabólica foi de 49,1%, e os níveis de IL-1ß, IL-12 e TNF não se mostraram associados a essa exposição. Após ajustamento, a presença da síndrome metabólica foi associada a maiores valores de IL-6 e PCR e a menores valores de CXCL8 e CCL5. Associações significativas ainda foram observadas com níveis séricos intermediários de CXCL9 e CXCL10. Além disso, a combinação dos marcadores apresentou associação significativa e consistente com a síndrome metabólica. Além de demonstrar associação entre síndrome metabólica e uma ampla gama de biomarcadores, alguns ainda não descritos na literatura, os resultados ressaltam que essa associação ocorre em níveis muito inferiores aos já demonstrados, sugerindo que a síndrome metabólica desempenha importante papel no perfil inflamatório dos idosos.

El objetivo del trabajo fue identificar los puntos de corte de los marcadores inflamatorios que mejor discriminaran la ocurrencia del síndrome metabólico entre ancianos residentes en comunidades. Se utilizaron datos de referencia de una cohorte de ancianos, realizada en la ciudad de Bambuí, Minas Gerais, Brasil. La exposición de interés fue la presencia del síndrome metabólico, definida por el criterio Adult Treatment Panel III, y los desenlaces incluyeron los siguientes marcadores inflamatorios: citocinas (IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12 e TNF), quimiocinas (CXCL8, CXCL9, CCL2, CXCL10 y CCL5) y proteína C-reactiva (PCR). La definición de los puntos de corte de los marcadores inflamatorios se basó en el método Classification and Regression Tree (CART). Las asociaciones entre esos marcadores y el síndrome metabólico se estimaron mediante modelos de regresión logística, obteniéndose odds ratio e intervalos con 95% de confianza, considerando el ajuste por factores de confusión. La prevalencia del síndrome metabólico fue de 49,1%, y los niveles de IL-1ß, IL12 y TNF no se mostraron asociados a esa exposición. Tras el ajuste, la presencia del síndrome metabólico se asoció a mayores valores de IL-6 y PCR y a menores valores de CXCL8 y CCL5. Las asociaciones significativas se observaron incluso con niveles séricos intermedios de CXCL9 y CXCL10. Asimismo, la combinación de los marcadores presentó una asociación significativa y consistente con el síndrome metabólico. Además de demostrar asociación entre el síndrome metabólico y una amplia gama de biomarcadores, algunos todavía no descritos en la literatura, los resultados resaltan que esa asociación ocurre en niveles muy inferiores a los ya demostrados, sugiriendo que el síndrome metabólico desempeña un importante papel en el perfil inflamatorio de los ancianos.

Association between inflammatory markers and hospitalizations: evidence from the Bambuí cohort of aging baseline. / Associação entre marcadores inflamatórios e ocorrência de hospitalizações: evidências da linha de base da coorte de idosos de Bambuí.

INTRODUCTION: Inflammation plays an important role in the aging process. OBJECTIVE: This cross-sectional study aims to examine the association between inflammatory markers and hospitalizations among older adults, considering as potential confounding factors the predisposing and enabling factors for the use of health services and health conditions. METHODS: We used data from 1,393 participants (≥ 60 years) in the baseline cohort from Bambuí. The markers assessed were ten cytokines and chemokines [interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, tumor necrosis factor (TNF), CCL2, CCL5, CXCL8, CXCL9, and CXCL10]. The outcome variable was one or more hospitalizations in the preceding 12 months. RESULTS: Elevated serum levels of IL-6 were significantly associated with hospitalizations [prevalence ratio (PR) = 1.38; confidence interval of 95% (95%CI) 1.02 - 1.87 and PR = 1.38; 95%CI 1.01 - 1.88 for the intermediate and highest tertiles, respectively]. High levels of CXCL9 were also independently associated with the outcome (PR = 1.38; 95%CI 1.01 - 1.89 and PR = 1.46; 95%CI 1.07 - 2.00, respectively). Other markers showed no statistically significant association with hospitalizations. CONCLUSION: Among the ten markers analyzed, only IL-6 and CXCL9 were associated with hospitalizations.

INTRODUÇÃO: A inflamação exerce um importante papel no processo de envelhecimento. OBJETIVO: Este estudo transversal objetiva examinar a associação entre marcadores inflamatórios e a ocorrência de hospitalizações entre idosos, considerando fatores predisponentes e facilitadores do uso de serviços de saúde e condições de saúde como potenciais fatores de confusão. MÉTODOS: Foram utilizados dados de 1.393 participantes (≥ 60 anos) da linha de base da coorte de Bambuí. Os marcadores considerados foram dez citocinas e quimiocinas (interleucina (IL)-1, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, fator de necrose tumoral (TNF), CCL2, CCL5, CXCL8, CXCL9 e CXCL10). A variável de desfecho foi a ocorrência de uma ou mais hospitalizações nos 12 meses precedentes. RESULTADOS: Níveis séricos elevados da IL-6 apresentaram associações significantes com a ocorrência de hospitalizações (razão de prevalência - RP = 1,38; intervalo de confiança - IC95% 1,01 - 1,87; e RP = 1,38; IC95% 1,01 - 1,88, para os tercis intermediário e superior, respectivamente). Níveis elevados da CXCL9 também apresentaram associações independentes com o desfecho (RP = 1,38; IC95% 1,02 - 1,89 e RP = 1,46; IC95% 1,07 - 2,00, respectivamente). Os demais marcadores não apresentaram associações estatisticamente significantes com a ocorrência de hospitalizações. CONCLUSÃO: Entre os 10 marcadores examinados, IL-6 e CXCL9 apresentaram associação com a ocorrência de hospitalizações.

Inflammatory markers and occurrence of falls: Bambuí Cohort Study of Aging.

OBJECTIVE: Analyze whether inflammatory markers are associated with falls among older adults living in Bambuí. METHODS: Study that analyzed baseline data from a Bambuí Cohort Study of Aging, involving 1,250 participants. Data about falls were collected from previous 12 months, classified as single or multiple occurrence and severity (participant seeking health services). Information about sociodemographic characteristics, health behaviors and health condition was also collected and used as confounding factors. The exposures of interest included interleukins (IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), ultra-sensitive C-reactive protein (us-CRP) and chemokines (CXCL9, CCL5, CCL10, MCP1). Data were processed through logistic regression, obtaining odds ratio and 95% confidence interval (95%CI). RESULTS: The prevalence of falls was 27.1%; 40.1% of the older adults reported multiple falls and 33.3% sought health services. After adjustments, the following elevated levels were associated with falls: us-CRP (OR = 1.46, 95%CI 1.04-2.03), CCL5 (OR = 1.38, 95%CI 1.01-1.90) and CXCL9 (OR = 1.43, 95%CI 1.02-2.02). An association was observed between the number of elevated markers and the occurrence of falls: two (OR = 1.47, 95%CI 1.02-2.12) and three (OR = 2.08, 95%CI 1.12-3.87) elevated biomarkers indicated fall probability of 32.0% and 39.4%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Elevated levels of us-CRP, CCL5 and CXCL9, which were associated with falls, may contribute to a proper understanding of the mechanism associated with the occurrence of falls among older people.

Immune senescence and biomarkers profile of Bambuí aged population-based cohort.

During immunosenescence many proinflammatory markers such as cytokines and chemokines are increased. This process called by Franceschi and colleagues as inflammaging is associated with chronic inflammation and the ethiology and pathophysiolgy of many ageing diseases as Alzheimer's and atherosclerosis. The knowledge of immune profile during ageing may provide some interventions that would improve the immune function in elderly and quality of life for old people. However, the identification of a group of potential biomarkers to monitor the ageing process is very difficult. In addition, most of the evidence evaluating immune biomarkers profile is based on data from older Caucasian adults. To our knowledge, no previous Latin American old population-based cohort has evaluated immunological parameters along the ageing process. The present work evaluated CXCL8, CXCL9, CXCL10, CCL2, CCL5, IL-1, IL-6, IL-12, TNF and IL-10 serum levels in 1494 older adults aged 60 to 95 from a population based ageing cohort in Brazil. Our data suggest that there is an increased positive predicted probability of participants to be a high producer of IL-6, CXCL8 and CXCL9. Moreover, results did not differ between men and women, except for CXCL10 that increased only in men. Results were not different in the adjusted model by many potential confounders, including African genomic ancestry. Together, these findings add novel insights about the immunologic aspects of ageing supported by a large population-based cohort study that provides evidences that corroborate with the inflammaging proposal and subsidize the establishment of biomarkers for monitoring the health status of aged population.

Predictive value of multiple cytokines and chemokines for mortality in an admixed population: 15-year follow-up of the Bambui-Epigen (Brazil) cohort study of aging.

Inflammation, particularly elevated IL-6 serum levels, has been associated with increased mortality risk, mostly in Caucasians. The influence of genetic ethno-racial background on this association is unknown. We examined associations between baseline serum levels of Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and other cytokines (IL1-2, TNF, IL-10, and IL1ß) and chemokines (CCL2, CCL5, CXCL8, CXCL9 and CXCL10) with 15-year mortality in 1,191 admixed Brazilians aged 60years and over. Elevated IL6 level (but not other biomarkers) was associated with increased risk of deaths with fully adjusted hazard ratios of 1.51 (95% CI=1.15, 1.97), 1.54 (95% CI=1.20, 1.96) and 1.79 (95% CI=1.40, 2.29) for the 2nd, 3rd and the highest quartiles, respectively. Genomic African and Native American proportions did not modify the association (p>0.05). The discriminatory ability to predict death of a model based on IL-6 alone was similar as that of a comprehensive morbidity score (C statistics=0.59 and 0.60, respectively). The abilities of IL-6 and the morbidity score models to predict death remained stable for very long term after the baseline measurement. Our results indicate that genome-based African and Native American ancestries have no impact on the prognostic value of IL-6 for mortality.

Persistent Sydenham's chorea is not associated with sustained lymphocyte dysfunction.

The mechanisms involved in the symptoms of Sydenham's chorea (SC) remain obscure. Taking into account the autoreactive antibody-mediated hypothesis of SC pathogenesis, the persistence of chorea may be associated with increased levels of B1 lymphocytes and other lymphocyte subsets. We evaluated lymphocyte subsets, including B1 and T cells, in patients with remitted (RSC) and persistent (PSC) SC by flow cytometry. Our results showed neither difference in the frequency of T and B lymphocytes subpopulations nor in their activation and functional states. These findings undermine the view of PSC as a sustained cytotoxic cellular-mediated condition. Alternative mechanisms may explain the pathogenesis of PSC.

Soroprevalência e fatores associados a infecções crônicas entre idosos residentes na comunidade / Seroprevalence and factors associated with chronic infections among community-dwelling elderly individuals

Infecções crônicas podem contribuir com o processo de envelhecimento, mas isso ainda é pouco explorado na América Latina. O objetivo foi avaliar a prevalência e os fatores associados ao citomegalovírus (CMV), Herpes simples 1 (HSV-1), Chlamydia pneumoniae e Helicobacter pylori entre idosos. Participaram 1.320 indivíduos da linha de base da Coorte de Idosos de Bambuí. Foram avaliados anticorpos (IgG) para as infecções e variáveis exploratórias (sociodemográficas, comportamentos em saúde e condições de saúde). Utilizaram-se modelos de regressão de Poisson com variância robusta. A prevalência foi de 99,4% para CMV, 96,7% para HSV-1, 56,0% para C. pneumoniae e 70,5% para H. pylori. Os mais velhos, mulheres, fumantes, diabéticos, incapazes e com maiores níveis de IL-6 tinham maior prevalência de CMV. HSV-1 foi menos frequente entre as mulheres. Infecção por C. pneumoniae foi maior entre os mais velhos e diabéticos; e menor entre mulheres e os menos escolarizados. H. pylori foi menos frequente entre as mulheres e naqueles com maiores níveis de IL-1ß, mas mais comuns entre os fumantes. Os achados mostram elevada prevalência de infecções crônicas e diferentes perfis epidemiológicos para cada patógeno, permitindo a detecção de grupos vulneráveis a essas infecções.

Soroprevalência e fatores associados a infecções crônicas entre idosos residentes na comunidade / Seroprevalence and factors associated with chronic infections among community-dwelling elderly individuals

Resumo Infecções crônicas podem contribuir com o processo de envelhecimento, mas isso ainda é pouco explorado na América Latina. O objetivo foi avaliar a prevalência e os fatores associados ao citomegalovírus (CMV), Herpes simples 1 (HSV-1), Chlamydia pneumoniae e Helicobacter pylori entre idosos. Participaram 1.320 indivíduos da linha de base da Coorte de Idosos de Bambuí. Foram avaliados anticorpos (IgG) para as infecções e variáveis exploratórias (sociodemográficas, comportamentos em saúde e condições de saúde). Utilizaram-se modelos de regressão de Poisson com variância robusta. A prevalência foi de 99,4% para CMV, 96,7% para HSV-1, 56,0% para C. pneumoniae e 70,5% para H. pylori. Os mais velhos, mulheres, fumantes, diabéticos, incapazes e com maiores níveis de IL-6 tinham maior prevalência de CMV. HSV-1 foi menos frequente entre as mulheres. Infecção por C. pneumoniae foi maior entre os mais velhos e diabéticos; e menor entre mulheres e os menos escolarizados. H. pylori foi menos frequente entre as mulheres e naqueles com maiores níveis de IL-1β, mas mais comuns entre os fumantes. Os achados mostram elevada prevalência de infecções crônicas e diferentes perfis epidemiológicos para cada patógeno, permitindo a detecção de grupos vulneráveis a essas infecções.

Abstract Chronic infections can contribute to the aging process, but this issue is less studied in Latin America. The aim was to assess the prevalence and factors associated with cytomegalovirus (CMV), Herpes Simplex 1 (HSV-1), Chlamydia pneumoniae and Helicobacter pylori among the elderly. A total of 1,320 individuals participated from the baseline of the Elderly Cohort of Bambuí. IgG antibodies against infections and explanatory variables (sociodemographic factors, health behaviors and health conditions) were evaluated. Poisson regression models with robust variance were used. Seroprevalence rates were 99.4% for CMV, 96.7% for HSV-1, 56% for C. pneumoniae and 70.5% for H. pylori. Elderly men, women, smokers, diabetics, the disabled and those with high levels of IL-6 had a higher prevalence of CMV. HSV-1 was less frequent among women. The prevalence of C. pneumoniae was higher at ages >75 and among diabetics; it was lower among women and individuals with less schooling. H. pylori was less frequent among women and those with detectable levels of IL-1β, but more common among smokers. The findings show a high prevalence of chronic infection and a different epidemiologic profile for each pathogen, making it possible to detect groups that are vulnerable to these infections.

Circulating CD4 and CD8 T cells expressing pro-inflammatory cytokines in a cohort of mesial temporal lobe epilepsy patients with hippocampal sclerosis.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokine expression profile of CD4(+) and CD8(+) T lymphocytes between drug resistant mesial Temporal Lobe Epilepsy (mTLE) patients and healthy subjects. METHODS: mTLE patients were enrolled at the Neurology Center of Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Belo Horizonte (SCM-BH) and healthy volunteers were selected at Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais. Individuals from both groups accepted to participate in this study and signed an informed consent. Peripheral venous blood samples were collected using sodium heparin vacuum tubes on the day before the surgery and in the interictal period, isolated from whole blood using Ficoll/Hypaque followed by flow cytometry analysis. Data analysis was performed using FlowJo. RESULTS: Compared to healthy individuals, mTLE patients showed reduced frequency of CD8(+) T lymphocytes expressing IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-17 and IL-4. Moreover, mTLE patients presented increased frequency of CD4(+) T lymphocytes expressing IL-6 when compared to healthy volunteers. DISCUSSION: Epilepsy is the third most common chronic brain disorder. Mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (mTLE) is a major and severe form of epilepsy and 30% of the mTLE patients do not respond to conventional medications. Our data suggest that mTLE patients have distinct immunological profiles that are related to disease pathophysiology.

Inflammatory markers and occurrence of falls: Bambuí Cohort Study of Aging / Marcadores inflamatórios e ocorrência de quedas: coorte de idosos de Bambuí

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE Analyze whether inflammatory markers are associated with falls among older adults living in Bambuí. METHODS Study that analyzed baseline data from a Bambuí Cohort Study of Aging, involving 1,250 participants. Data about falls were collected from previous 12 months, classified as single or multiple occurrence and severity (participant seeking health services). Information about sociodemographic characteristics, health behaviors and health condition was also collected and used as confounding factors. The exposures of interest included interleukins (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), ultra-sensitive C-reactive protein (us-CRP) and chemokines (CXCL9, CCL5, CCL10, MCP1). Data were processed through logistic regression, obtaining odds ratio and 95% confidence interval (95%CI). RESULTS The prevalence of falls was 27.1%; 40.1% of the older adults reported multiple falls and 33.3% sought health services. After adjustments, the following elevated levels were associated with falls: us-CRP (OR = 1.46, 95%CI 1.04-2.03), CCL5 (OR = 1.38, 95%CI 1.01-1.90) and CXCL9 (OR = 1.43, 95%CI 1.02-2.02). An association was observed between the number of elevated markers and the occurrence of falls: two (OR = 1.47, 95%CI 1.02-2.12) and three (OR = 2.08, 95%CI 1.12-3.87) elevated biomarkers indicated fall probability of 32.0% and 39.4%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Elevated levels of us-CRP, CCL5 and CXCL9, which were associated with falls, may contribute to a proper understanding of the mechanism associated with the occurrence of falls among older people.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Analisar se marcadores inflamatórios estão associados a quedas em idosos vivendo na comunidade. MÉTODOS Estudo da coorte de idosos de Bambuí, envolvendo 1.250 participantes da linha de base do projeto. Foram coletadas informações sobre quedas nos últimos 12 meses, classificadas quanto à ocorrência (única ou múltipla) e gravidade (procura por serviços de saúde). O inquérito também continha informações a respeito das características sociodemográficas, comportamentais e condições de saúde, as quais foram utilizadas como fatores de confusão. As exposições pesquisadas incluíram: interleucinas (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10 e IL-12), fator de necrose tumoral (TNF), proteína C reativa ultrassensível (PCRus) e quimiocinas (CXCL9, CCL5, CCL10 e MCP1). O tratamento dos dados foi realizado por meio de regressão logística, obtendo-se odds ratio e intervalo de 95% de confiança (IC95%). RESULTADOS A prevalência de queda foi 27,1%; 40,1% dos idosos relataram quedas múltiplas e 33,3% procuraram serviços de saúde. Após ajustes, permaneceram associados às quedas os níveis elevados de PCRus (OR = 1,46; IC95% 1,04-2,03), CCL5 (OR = 1,38; IC95% 1,01-1,90) e CXCL9 (OR = 1,43; IC95% 1,02-2,02). Houve associação entre o número de marcadores elevados e a ocorrência de quedas: dois (OR = 1,47; IC95% 1,02-2,12) e três (OR = 2,08; IC95% 1,12-3,87) biomarcadores aumentados predisseram probabilidades de quedas iguais a 32,0% e 39,4%, respectivamente. CONCLUSÕES Os níveis elevados de PCRus, CCL5 e CXCL9, que estiveram associados a quedas, podem contribuir para o adequado entendimento do mecanismo associado à ocorrência desse evento em idosos.

Associação entre síndrome metabólica e marcadores inflamatórios em idosos residentes na comunidade / Asociación entre síndrome metabólico y marcadores inflamatorios en ancianos residentes en comunidades / Association of metabolic syndrome with inflammatory markers in a sample of community-dwelling older adults

O objetivo do trabalho foi identificar os pontos de corte dos marcadores inflamatórios que melhor discriminassem a ocorrência da síndrome metabólica entre idosos residentes na comunidade. Foram utilizados os dados da linha de base da coorte de idosos conduzida na cidade de Bambuí, Minas Gerais, Brasil. A exposição de interesse foi a presença da síndrome metabólica, definida pelo critério Adult Treatment Panel III, e os desfechos incluíram os seguintes marcadores inflamatórios: citocinas (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12 e TNF), quimiocinas (CXCL8, CXCL9, CCL2, CXCL10 e CCL5) e proteína C-reativa (PCR). A definição dos pontos de corte dos marcadores inflamatórios foi baseada no método Classification and Regression Tree (CART). As associações entre esses marcadores e a síndrome metabólica foram estimadas por modelos de regressão logística, obtendo-se odds ratio e intervalos de 95% de confiança (IC95%), considerando o ajustamento por fatores de confusão. A prevalência da síndrome metabólica foi de 49,1%, e os níveis de IL-1β, IL-12 e TNF não se mostraram associados a essa exposição. Após ajustamento, a presença da síndrome metabólica foi associada a maiores valores de IL-6 e PCR e a menores valores de CXCL8 e CCL5. Associações significativas ainda foram observadas com níveis séricos intermediários de CXCL9 e CXCL10. Além disso, a combinação dos marcadores apresentou associação significativa e consistente com a síndrome metabólica. Além de demonstrar associação entre síndrome metabólica e uma ampla gama de biomarcadores, alguns ainda não descritos na literatura, os resultados ressaltam que essa associação ocorre em níveis muito inferiores aos já demonstrados, sugerindo que a síndrome metabólica desempenha importante papel no perfil inflamatório dos idosos.

El objetivo del trabajo fue identificar los puntos de corte de los marcadores inflamatorios que mejor discriminaran la ocurrencia del síndrome metabólico entre ancianos residentes en comunidades. Se utilizaron datos de referencia de una cohorte de ancianos, realizada en la ciudad de Bambuí, Minas Gerais, Brasil. La exposición de interés fue la presencia del síndrome metabólico, definida por el criterio Adult Treatment Panel III, y los desenlaces incluyeron los siguientes marcadores inflamatorios: citocinas (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12 e TNF), quimiocinas (CXCL8, CXCL9, CCL2, CXCL10 y CCL5) y proteína C-reactiva (PCR). La definición de los puntos de corte de los marcadores inflamatorios se basó en el método Classification and Regression Tree (CART). Las asociaciones entre esos marcadores y el síndrome metabólico se estimaron mediante modelos de regresión logística, obteniéndose odds ratio e intervalos con 95% de confianza, considerando el ajuste por factores de confusión. La prevalencia del síndrome metabólico fue de 49,1%, y los niveles de IL-1β, IL12 y TNF no se mostraron asociados a esa exposición. Tras el ajuste, la presencia del síndrome metabólico se asoció a mayores valores de IL-6 y PCR y a menores valores de CXCL8 y CCL5. Las asociaciones significativas se observaron incluso con niveles séricos intermedios de CXCL9 y CXCL10. Asimismo, la combinación de los marcadores presentó una asociación significativa y consistente con el síndrome metabólico. Además de demostrar asociación entre el síndrome metabólico y una amplia gama de biomarcadores, algunos todavía no descritos en la literatura, los resultados resaltan que esa asociación ocurre en niveles muy inferiores a los ya demostrados, sugiriendo que el síndrome metabólico desempeña un importante papel en el perfil inflamatorio de los ancianos.

The study aimed to identify the cutoff points for inflammatory markers that best discriminate the occurrence of metabolic syndrome in community-dwelling older adults. Baseline data were used from the elderly cohort in the city of Bambuí, Minas Gerais State, Brazil. The target exposure was presence of metabolic syndrome, defined according to the Adult Treatment Panel III criterion, and the outcomes included the following inflammatory markers: cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12 e TNF), chemokines (CXCL8, CXCL9, CCL2, CXCL10, and CCL5), and C-reactive protein (CRP). Definition of the cutoff points for the inflammatory markers was based on the Classification and Regression Tree (CART) method. The associations between these markers and metabolic syndrome were estimated by logistic regression models, obtaining odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals, considering adjustment for confounding factors. Prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 49.1%, and IL-1β, IL-12, and TNF levels were not associated statistically with this exposure. After adjustment, presence of metabolic syndrome was associated with higher IL-6 and CRP levels and lower CXCL8 and CCL5. Significant associations were also observed with intermediate serum CXCL9 and CXCL10 levels. The combination of markers also showed a significant and consistent association with metabolic syndrome. In addition to demonstrating an association between metabolic syndrome and a wide range of biomarkers (some not previously described in the literature), the results highlight that this association occurs at much lower levels than previously demonstrated, suggesting that metabolic syndrome plays an important role in the inflammatory profile of the older adults.