Successful aging as a continuum of functional independence: lessons from physical disability models of aging.

Contains fulltext : 109629.pdf (publisher's version ) (Open Access)Successful aging is a multidimensional construct that could be viewed as a continuum of achievement. Based on the disability model proposed by the WHO International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, successful aging includes not only the presence or absence of disease, but also aspects of mobility and social participation. Here we review definitions of successful aging and discuss relevance of the disability model in the evaluation of successful aging and frailty. In particular, we summarize evidences that highlight the importance of measures of mobility (ability to walk and perform activities of daily living), and social participation in identifying and locating older adults across the range of the successful aging continuum. Lastly, we discuss the role of inflammation in age-related decline and in frailty. Future research directions are proposed, including identifying causal pathways among inflammatory markers, disability, and frailty. A better understanding of immunological functioning in late life may help unlock novel ways to promote successful aging.1 februari 201

The immunology of rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is represents the most common chronic inflammatory joint disease and is still a major medical challenge because of unsolved issues related to the etiologic and pathogenetic questions. Intensive research has been conducted over the last years that focused on the inappropriate activation of the immune system: although T cells have long been deemed to play a central role in the origin and propagation of joint inflammation, data accumulated so far have widened this perspective recognizing the contribution of other cells, as well as the major histocompatibility complex class II proteins and a composite set of costimulatory signals responsible for the production of proinflammatory cytokines and other soluble mediators implicated in tissue destruction typical of the disease. This paper will provide an insight into the immune system in RA, dissecting cellular and humoral aspects both in serum and in synovium of patients. © 2007 New York Academy of Sciences