Aging influences the cardiac macrophage phenotype and function during steady state and during inflammation.

Aging-mediated immune dysregulation affects the normal cardiac immune cell phenotypes and functions, resulting in cardiac distress. During cardiac inflammation, immune activation is critical for mounting the regenerative responses to maintain normal heart function. We investigated the impact of aging on myeloid cell phenotype and function during cardiac inflammation induced by a sub-lethal dose of LPS.

Effect of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Enhancement of Macrophage P-Glycoprotein Expression and Activity on Intracellular Survival During Antituberculosis Drug Treatment.

Background: Tuberculosis is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Recent emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) tuberculosis strains seriously threatens tuberculosis control and prevention. However, the role of macrophage multidrug resistance gene MDR1 on intracellular M.

Nontuberculous mycobacterium M. avium infection predisposes aged mice to cardiac abnormalities and inflammation.

Biological aging dynamically alters normal immune and cardiac function, favoring the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α) and increased instances of cardiac distress. Cardiac failure is the primary reason for hospitalization of the elderly (65+ years). The elderly are also increasingly susceptible to developing chronic bacterial infections due to aging associated immune abnormalities.