Neutrophils and low-grade inflammation in the seemingly normal aging human lung

摘要: Lung function deteriorates with age and is associated elastin loss, loss of elastic recoil decline in diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide. To determine whether increased numbers neutrophils can be found the lower respiratory tract healthy, clinically normal individuals who are more advanced age, we performed bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) on three discontinuous groups (Group I, 19–36 years; Group II, 45–55 III, 64–83 years). We that were many III compared to I. The neutrophil cell differential count was 1.44±0.18% (mean±S.E.M.) I versus 3.88±0.81% (P<0.01) ×103/ml BAL fluid 1.7±0.2 7.2±1.7 respectively (P<0.01). Similarly, interleukin-8 (IL-8) (8.5±1.7 vs 36.8±9.4 pg/ml, P<0.01) elastase (NE) complexed α1-antiprotease (1.2±0.1 16.6±7.1 ng/ml, P<0.02) significantly elevated oldest youngest group, although (582±86 1178±148 inhibitory (EIC) (8.1±1.3 17.7±1.9 μmol/ml, also group. This cross-sectional investigation suggests low-grade inflammation exists air spaces normal, older individuals.