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in: Inflammation and in vitro Diagnostics., Prof. Dr. Hilal KOÇDOR,Prof. Dr. Aysun PABUÇÇUOĞLU,Prof. Dr. Figen ZİHNİOĞLU, Editor, Türkiye Klinikleri Yayınevi, Ankara, pp.146-150, 2024
Age-related immune system changes are called immunosenescence. Immunosenescence is characterized by an increased risk of inflammation, infection, malignancy, and autoimmune disorders. Older adults exhibit a chronic, sterile, low-level inflammatory process called ''inflammaging''. With aging, stem cells in the bone marrow decrease and their telomeres shorten. Moreover, acquired genomic or mitochondrial DNA defects accumulate and result in decreased regeneration capacity of hematopoietic stem cells. In addition, pro-inflammatory markers such as interleukin 6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), C-reactive protein (CRP), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels increase with aging. Accumulation of senescent cells, production of leptin from adipose tissue, altered gastrointestinal flora, and underlying diseases may cause immune deficiency and susceptibility to infection. Nutrition, exercise, and vaccination come into prominence to slow the effect of the aging immune system.