The Thymus In Health And Senescence

First published in 1989: This text was written to provide a relatively broad comprehensive study of the thymus in health and disease, including relationships to the endocrine system, immue system, and again.

v. 1. Thymus and immunity -- v. 2. Aging and endocrinology.

v. 1. Thymus and immunity -- v. 2. Aging and endocrinology.

First published in 1989: This text was written to provide a relatively broad comprehensive study of the thymus in health and disease, including relationships to the endocrine system, immue system, and again.

The world population presents an increased percentage of individuals over 65 years old and the fastest growing subgroup is over 85 years old. The increase in life expectancy observed in the last century has not been synonymous with extra years lived in good health (disability-free years). Population studies have shown that as individuals age, they can present a great heterogeneity of ability and health. Therefore, aging has been associated for some individuals with disabilities and hospitalizations. Deaths related to infectious pathogens are increased in the aging population mainly due to pneumonia and influenza whereas Cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, among other viruses seem to contribute to the low-grade inflammatory process observed (inflammaging). Aging is a complex and multifactorial process in which functions of the organism are adjusted (remodelled) in order to deal with damaging events during life. One of the most important changes in aging individuals occurs in the immune system (innate and adaptive responses) with consequences such as poor response to new infections and vaccinations; increased susceptibility to cancer development and autoimmune diseases; frailty, and organ dysfunction. In addition, it has been proposed that immunosenescence not only reflects the aging of the organism but also contributes to this process. Bone marrow presents decreased hematopoiesis, the thymus undergoes involution and lymphoid organs (lymph nodes, spleen) also present reduced functionality. Therefore, cells derived, matured, or residing in these tissues decline in number and function. These changes have been identified in experimental models, in vitro conditions, peripheral blood, and biopsies via biomarkers such as cell phenotype, stimulus-induced proliferation, cytokines and antibodies levels. Telomere length and telomerase activity also decline in bone marrow-derived and peripheral blood cells and have been shown to play a role in immunosenescence. More recently, the investigation of short non-coding RNA molecules (microRNAs; miRNAs) pointed to this system as a possible control of aging-related mechanisms. Data obtained on these markers for aging individuals could lead to the generation of a marker panel for pathology prediction, to indicate interventions, and to evaluate the efficacy of interventions. Interventions such as nutrition supplements, exercise, vaccination (different dose, concentration of antigen, adjuvants) have been proposed to circumvent age-related diseases. Considering the heterogeneity in the aging process, further investigation is vital before the indication of interventions for aging individuals. As the extension of life expectancy is a reality, it is a challenge to understand how the aging population copes with the remodelling of the organism and how interventions could provide longevity in good health.

This book is devoted to innovative medicine, comprising the proceedings of the Uehara Memorial Foundation Symposium 2014. It remains extremely rare for the findings of basic research to be developed into clinical applications, and it takes a long time for the process to be achieved. The task of advancing the development of basic research into clinical reality lies with translational science, yet the field seems to struggle to find a way to move forward. To create innovative medical technology, many steps need to be taken: development and analysis of optimal animal models of human diseases, elucidation of genomic and epidemiological data, and establishment of “proof of concept”. There is also considerable demand for progress in drug research, new surgical procedures, and new clinical devices and equipment. While the original research target may be rare diseases, it is also important to apply those findings more broadly to common diseases. The book covers a wide range of topics and is organized into three complementary parts. The first part is basic research for innovative medicine, the second is translational research for innovative medicine, and the third is new technology for innovative medicine. This book helps to understand innovative medicine and to make progress in its realization.

This authoritative handbook covers all aspects of immunosenescence, with contributions from experts in the research and clinical areas. It examines methods and models for studying immunosenescence; genetics; mechanisms including receptors and signal transduction; clinical relevance in disease states including infections, autoimmunity, cancer, metabolic syndrome, neurodegenerative diseases, frailty and osteoporosis; and much more.

The demographic shift in the average age of the population worldwide calls for careful attention to the nutritional and health needs of the elderly. Frailty has been associated with increased disability, postsurgical complications and increased mortality; in a frail state, older adults are at greater risk for adverse outcomes, including falls and admissions to hospital and nursing homes. Despite the strong associations between frailty and subsequent poor outcomes, limited attention to this common geriatric condition has been paid in clinical settings. Emerging evidence suggests that both behavioral (nutrition and physical activity) and pharmacologic interventions may be effective in the treatment and prevention of the frailty syndrome. The papers in this book address our current understanding of the biological basis, clinical presentation and therapeutic interventions that target frailty. They highlight the transitional nature of research on the frailty syndrome and identified key unmet needs and areas for future investigation in this expanding field.