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Review
. 2024 Dec 2;26(1):17.
doi: 10.1007/s10522-024-10152-4.

The dichotomic role of cytokines in aging

Rafael Cardoso Maciel Costa Silva  1
Affiliations
Review

The dichotomic role of cytokines in aging

Rafael Cardoso Maciel Costa Silva. Biogerontology. .

Abstract

The chronic inflammation present in aged individuals is generally depicted as a detrimental player for longevity. Here, it is discussed several beneficial effects associated with the cytokines that are chronically elevated in inflammaging. These cytokines, such as IL-1β, type I interferons, IL-6 and TNF positively regulate macroautophagy, mitochondrial function, anti-tumor immune responses and skeletal muscle biogenesis, possibly contributing to longevity. On the other side, the detrimental and antagonistic role of these cytokines including the induction of sarcopenia, tissue damage and promotion of tumorigenesis are also discussed, underscoring the dichotomy associated with inflammaging and its players. In addition, it is discussed the role of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 and other cytokines that affect aging in a more linear way, such as IL-11, which promotes senescence, and IL-4 and IL-15, which promotes longevity. It is also discussed more specific regulators of aging that are downstream cytokines-mediated signaling.

Keywords: Aging; Autophagy; Cytokines; Inflammation; Mitochondria.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declarations. Conflict of interest: The authors declare no competing interests. Ethical approval: Not applicable. Consent for publication: During the preparation of this work the author, Rafael Cardoso Maciel Costa Silva, did not use any generative AI and AI-assisted technologies in the writing process. The author takes full responsibility for the content of the publication.

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