The association between cytomegalovirus infection and aging process.

UNLABELLED: Analysis of published scientific data suggests that cytomegalovirus infection has an effect on aging process in human, in particular on immunosenescence, resulting in an increased incidence of infectious diseases and consequent mortality in elderly individuals. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between cytomegalovirus infection and a character of aging (premature, physiological, and slow). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In accordance with special criteria of the assessment of biological age, 146 healthy elderly women aged 60-90 years were divided into three groups: Group 1--slow aging group (37 women, 25.4%); Group 2--physiological aging group (58 women, 39.7%); Group 3--premature aging group (51 women, 34.9%). Immune response to cytomegalovirus was studied using methods of enzyme immunoassay and indirect immunofluorescence. RESULTS: Comparing immune response to cytomegalovirus in different aging groups, highest titres of both IgG antibodies against early antigens and IgA antibodies against late structural antigens were found in premature aging group. Results showed that premature aging was associated with an increased level of IgA antibodies characteristic for cytomegalovirus symptomatic infection and its frequent reactivations. CONCLUSION: Cytomegalovirus infection is associated with an increased risk of premature aging (OR=9.8; P<0.01).

Alterations of human immune system functions in relation to environmental contamination, gender and alcohol consumption intensity.

Environmental contamination and use of alcohol may be a cause of immune system disturbances and various diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate changes of different alcohol consumption intensity on the immune condition of women and men living in a district contaminated with industrial siftings (Trakai) and in a relatively clean district (Sirvintos). The immune system parameters were investigated in 282 Trakai district inhabitants (127 males and 155 females) and in 282 Sirvintos district inhabitants (129 males and 153 females). Due to gender and alcohol consumption intensity the immune system functions were evaluated in the following groups: abstainers, light alcohol users, moderate alcohol users and alcohol abusers. Absolute number of CD5+, CD4+, concentration of IgA in blood serum and some other investigated indices of light alcohol users were significantly increased in the male group of Trakai district in comparison with females of this district. However, in the same group of light alcohol drinkers of Sirvintos district, males had lower indices (CD5+, CD4+, CD4+/CD8+, IgM) than females. Immune system parameters of males who were light and moderate alcohol users in Trakai district were stimulated in comparison with the same alcohol consumption groups of males in Sirvintos district. Our investigations showed that combination of environmental pollution and different intensity of alcohol consumption cause various alterations of immune system functions in males and females.