Parâmetros de normalidade do sistema imunológico no idoso em Fortaleza - Ceará

Abstract

Worldwide, the number of individuals whose age is over 60 years will grow exponentially. Is provided an increase of 694 million in the number of older people in 2025. Ageing is a complex process that negatively impacts the development of the immune system and its ability to function. Immunosenescence is a multifactorial condition leading to many pathologically significant health problems in the aged population, it is becoming recognized that the immune system declines with age, a term known as immunosenescence, which leads to a higher incidence of infections, neoplasia and autoimmune diseases. This study attempts to describe the immunological profile of a population of healthy elderly. Thirty five elderly patients aged 60 years were subjected to a study and the same numbers of young volunteers aged between twenty and thirty eight were examinated like control group. Were investigated sixteen laboratorial exams to define the main changes in immunosenescence. The results showed changes in both innate immunity and adaptive immunity in the elderly body. The changes found in innate immunity were: increase the number of neutrophils in venous blood, increasing the concentration of C4 complement component, and increased levels of interleukin-6. Changes in adaptative immunity were: reduction in the number of lymphocytes (WBC) and lymphocyte subsets CD2 +, CD3 + and CD8 + (immunophenotyping) and increased concentration of immunoglobulin IgA and decreased IgM concentration. In cloncusion, this work was important to define the normal parameters of the immune system of a healthy elderly and improve our understanding of this system. Thus, it also constitutes a necessary step to identify how best to treat the underlying causes of immunosenescence and its consequence.