Biological expressions of early life trauma in the immune system of older adults.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Poor immune function is associated with increased risk for a number of age-related diseases, however, little is known about the impact of early life trauma on immune function in late-life.

Methods

Using nationally representative data from the Health and Retirement Study (n = 5,823), we examined the association between experiencing parental/caregiver death or separation before age 16 and four indicators of immune function in late-life: C-reactive Protein (CRP), Interleukin-6 (IL-6), soluble Tumor Necrosis Factor (sTNFR), and Immunoglobulin G (IgG) response to cytomegalovirus (CMV). We also examined racial/ethnic differences.

Findings

Individuals that identified as racial/ethnic minorities were more likely to experience parental/caregiver loss and parental se

SUBMITTER: Noppert GA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10284407 | biostudies-literature | 2023

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature