Healthy centenarians show high levels of circulating interleukin-22 (IL-22)

• Published in: Archives of gerontology and geriatrics Vol. 54; no. 3; pp. 459 - 461
• Main Authors: Basile, Giorgio, Paffumi, Isidora, D’Angelo, Anna Grazia, Figliomeni, Paolo, Cucinotta, Maria Despina, Pace, Elisabetta, Ferraro, Maria, Saitta, Salvatore, Lasco, Antonino, Gangemi, Sebastiano
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier Ireland Ltd 01.05.2012
• Subjects: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Aging - blood; Aging - immunology; Centenarians; Cytokines; Female; First time; Humans; Immune response; Independent living; Inflammaging; Interleukin-22; Interleukin-22 (IL-22); Interleukins - blood; Internal Medicine; Longevity; Longevity - immunology; Male; Middle Aged; Nursing homes; Regulatory T cells; Inflammaging; Centenarians; Cytokines; Regulatory T cells; Interleukin-22 (IL-22)
• ISSN: 0167-4943; 1872-6976; 1872-6976
• DOI: 10.1016/j.archger.2011.05.004

Aging is characterized by a progressive alteration of homeostatic mechanisms modulated by environmental and genetic factors. It is associated with a pro-inflammatory status. In centenarians, an increase of pro-inflammatory cytokine production balanced by anti-inflammatory immune response that would promote longevity is observed. Cytokine dysregulation is believed to play a key role in the proposed remodeling of the immune-inflammatory responses accompanying old age. IL-22 is a pro-inflammatory cytokine belonging to the IL-10 family and represents an important effector molecule of activated T helper (Th)-22, Th-1, and Th-17 cells. We recruited 17 healthy centenarians (4 males, 13 females, range 100–105 years). All ultralongeval subjects were living at home or in a nursing home. Sixteen healthy, sex-matched individuals (4 males, 12 females, range 60–95 years) were also recruited as controls. Centenarians displayed significantly higher circulating IL-22 levels compared to control population (45.7±66.9pg/ml versus 11.1±6.5pg/ml; p=0.031). It's well known that IL-22 is a pro-inflammatory cytokine produced by activated T lymphocytes and NK cells. IL-22 stimulates the production of acute phase reactants and promotes the antimicrobial defense. The results of the present study show, for the first time, that there is an increase of IL-22 in healthy centenarians. This pro-inflammatory condition probably is protective against infection, promoting the longevity of these subjects.