New research involving mice suggests that the key to more youthful immune function might already be in your medicine cabinet. In a report published in the Journal of Leukocyte Biology scientists show that macrophages from the lungs of old mice had different responses to Mycobacterium tuberculosis than macrophages from young mice, but these changes were reversed by ibuprofen.
"Inflammation in old age can have significant consequences on immune function," says Joanne Turner, PhD, a researcher involved in the work from the Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity and Center for Microbial Interface Biology at Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio. "With this knowledge, it may be possible to reduce or prevent some diseases in the elderly by decreasing inflammation with diet, exercise and/or drugs."
To make this discovery, scientists measured inflammatory markers in the total lung or within purified macrophage populations of young healthy mice and of old healthy mice. Inflammatory markers were elevated in old mice, and isolated macrophages from both old and young healthy mice responded differentially to infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis in vitro. This suggests that the altered interactions with M. tuberculosis were linked to inflammation in old age. The researchers then placed a group of old, but healthy, mice on an ibuprofen supplemented diet, and this reduced inflammation and restored immune function to that of young healthy mice.
"This may give new meaning to the phrase 'take two aspirins and call me in the morning,'" says John Wherry, PhD, deputy editor of the Journal of Leukocyte Biology. "The report may not be about aspirin, but it does show that over-the-counter remedies may broader value that usually appreciated, including by affecting immune functions that change with age."
Reference: Canan CH, et al. Characterization of lung inflammation and its impact on macrophage function in aging. J Leukoc. Biol. September 2014. 96:473-480; doi:10.1189/jlb.4A0214-093RR
Source: Society for Leukocyte Biology
A Helping Hand: Innovative Approaches to Expanding Hand Hygiene Programs in Acute Care Settings
July 9th 2025Who knew candy, UV lights, and a college kid in scrubs could double hand hygiene adherence? A Pennsylvania hospital’s creative shake-up of its infection prevention program shows that sometimes it takes more than soap to get hands clean—and keep them that way.
Broadening the Path: Diverse Educational Routes Into Infection Prevention Careers
July 4th 2025Once dominated by nurses, infection prevention now welcomes professionals from public health, lab science, and respiratory therapy—each bringing unique expertise that strengthens patient safety and IPC programs.
How Contaminated Is Your Stretcher? The Hidden Risks on Hospital Wheels
July 3rd 2025Despite routine disinfection, hospital surfaces, such as stretchers, remain reservoirs for harmful microbes, according to several recent studies. From high-touch areas to damaged mattresses and the effectiveness of antimicrobial coatings, researchers continue to uncover persistent risks in environmental hygiene, highlighting the critical need for innovative, continuous disinfection strategies in health care settings.