Affiliation:
1. Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neuroscience and Sensory Organs, School of Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
2. MEBIC Consortium, San Raffaele Open University of Rome and IRCCS San Raffaele Pisana of Rome, Rome, Italy
Abstract
Background & Objectives:
In old people, both innate and adaptive immune responses are
impaired, thus leading to a condition of systemic inflamm-ageing, even including the involvement of
the central nervous system (CNS).
Aims:
Here, main mechanisms of the immune ageing and neuro-inflammation will be discussed along
with the dietary approaches for the modulation of age related diseases.
Discussion:
Neuroinflammation is caused by the passage of inflammatory mediators through the brain
blood barrier to CNS. Then, in the brain, antigenic stimulation of microglia and/or its activation by
peripheral cytokines lead to a robust production of free radicals with another wave of proinflammatory
cytokines which, in turn, causes massive neuronal damage. Also, infiltrating T cells [T
helper (h) and T cytotoxic cells] contribute to neuronal damage. Additionally, a peripheral imbalance
between inflammatory Th17 cells and anti-inflammatory T regulatory cells seems to be prevalent in the
aged brain, thus leading to a proinflammatory profile. Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and
multiple sclerosis will be described as typical neurodegenerative diseases. Finally, modulation of the
immune response thanks to the anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects exerted by dietary products
and nutraceuticals in ageing will be discussed. Special emphasis will be placed on polyunsaturated
fatty acids, polyphenols, micronutrients and pre-probiotics and synbiotics.
Conclusion:
Ageing is characterized by an imbalance subversion of the immune system with a condition
of inflamm-ageing. Neuroinflammation and neurodegenerative diseases seem to be a central manifestation
of a peripheral perturbation of the immune machinery. Dietary products and nutraceuticals
may lead to a down-regulation of the oxidative and pro-inflammatory profile in ageing.
Publisher
Bentham Science Publishers Ltd.
Subject
Immunology and Allergy,Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
Cited by
16 articles.
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