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

ABSTRACT: 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. Since bacterial infections compound the rates of cardiac failure in the elderly, and this phenomenon is not entirely understood, the interplay between the immune system and cardiovascular function in the elderly is of great interest. Using Mycobacterium avium, an opportunistic pathogen, we investigated the effect of mycobacteria on cardiac function in aged mice. Young (2-3 months)

SUBMITTER: Headley CA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6516181 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature