The effects of aging on lymphocyte subgroups in males and females

BACKGROUND: Age-associated immune senescence is a catch-all phrase that has been used to describe a plethora of changes to the immune system across the lifespan. Aging is associated with a decline in immune function. Our aim in this study was to investigate how lymphocyte subgroups in peripheral blood are affected by aging among males and females. MATERIAL/METHODS: Study participants were 70 healthy individuals from 3 different age groups, observed from January 2010 to January 2012. The average levels of CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD19+, CD16+/CD56+, CD3+/CD69+, and CD19+/CD69+ were determined for each group and compared in terms of age and sex. RESULTS: We found significant reduction in the level of CD3+T cells related with age, but no significant changes in CD19+ B cell levels (p<0.005). Aging significantly reduces activated B cell (CD19+/CD69+) levels in males (p<0.005). CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that there may be differences between males and females in terms of immune senescence.