Higher levels of tumor necrosis factor are associated with frailty in socially vulnerable community-dwelling older adults

Author(s)

Nascimento, Carla M. C. ^[1] ; Zazzetta, Marisa S. ^[1] ; Gomes, Grace A. O. ^[1] ; Orlandi, Fabiana S. ^[1] ; Gramani-Say, Karina ^[1] ; Vasilceac, Fernando A. ^[1] ; Gratao, Aline C. M. ^[1] ; Pavarini, Sofia C. I. ^[1] ; Cominetti, Marcia R. ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Fed Sao Carlos, Dept Gerontol, Rod Washington Luis, Km 235, BR-13565 Sao Carlos, SP - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: BMC GERIATRICS; v. 18, NOV 6 2018.
• Web of Science Citations: 0

Abstract

BackgroundThe complex physiology underpinning the frailty syndrome is responsible for the absence of robust biomarkers that can be used for screening, diagnostic and/or prognostic purposes and has made clinical implementation difficult. Considering socially vulnerable populations, who have poor health status and increased morbidity and mortality, this scenario is even more complex. However, to the best of our knowledge, there are no studies available to investigate frailty biomarkers in socially vulnerable populations. Thus, the aim of this cross-sectional study was to identify potential blood-based biomarkers of frailty in a socially vulnerable population.MethodsA sample consisting of 347 community-dwelling older people living in a context of high social vulnerability was divided into non-frail (robust), pre-frail and frail groups, according to modified Fried frailty phenotype criteria. Blood samples were collected and analyzed for basic metabolic parameters and for inflammatory cytokines.ResultsLevels of Interleukin-1 (IL-1) and Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF-) were significantly higher in pre-frail subjects, compared to non-frail ones. Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF-) levels presented higher values in the frail compared to non-frail individuals. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels in pre-frail and frail subjects were significantly higher compared to the levels of non-frail subjects. Using an ordinal regression analysis, we observed that socially vulnerable older people at higher risk of developing frailty were subjects above 80years old (OR: 2.5; 95% CI: 1.1-5.6) and who presented higher levels of TNF- (0.81pg/mL, OR: 2.53; 95% CI: 1.3-4.9).ConclusionAs vulnerable populations continue to age, it is imperative to have a greater understanding of the frailty condition, identifying novel potential blood-based biomarkers. The results presented here could help to implement preventive healthcare strategies by evaluating frailty and at the same time measuring a set of inflammatory biomarkers, paying special attention to TNF- plasmatic levels. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 14/21066-2 - Gene expression of inflammatory cytokine and of microRNA as potential biomarkers of frailty in elderly inserted in a social vulnerability context.
• Grantee: Carla Manuela Crispim Nascimento
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 14/50104-0 - Fragility monitoring software for the elderly assisted by the Family Health Support Center (NASF) at São Carlos - SP - Brazil
• Grantee: Marisa Silvana Zazzetta
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Research in Public Policies for the National Health Care System (PP-SUS)