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Stephanie Wilson
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05/02/18

Topic: This research is intended to determine if the available data supports the theory that certain
diets, regular exercise, and the application of anti-inflammatory cytokines will each separately
decrease inflammation in a way that would impact inflammaging. Different studies and data on
these separate topics will be analysed to determine if the effects could be reliably replicated
outside of them. The analysis of various sources and conclusions drawn will be used to predict
weather or not these different factors could be used together to strengthen the immune response
with age and eventually elongate the human lifespan.

Citation for Data Analysis:

This study lists the different anti-inflammatory cytokines and how they individually impact
inflammation. Analysing the data collected will make clear whether or not they can be reliably
applied in order to reduce inflammation in the majority of people.
Minciullo, Paola Lucia, et al. “Inflammaging and Anti-Inflammaging: The Role of
Cytokines in Extreme Longevity.” SpringerLink, Springer International Publishing, 12
Dec. 2015.

This study shows the impact of regular exercise effects inflammation. Understanding the results
of this study, and how they relate to the research will allow for connections to be made between
the reduction of inflammation and regular exercise’s impact on inflammaging.
Nicklas, Barbara J., and Tina E. Brinkley. “Exercise Training as a Treatment for Chronic
Inflammation in the Elderly.” Exercise and Sport Sciences Reviews, U.S. National
Library of Medicine, Oct. 2009, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2789351/.

This study shows how an antioxidant rich diet impacts inflammation in the body. Analysing the
results of consuming this diet will allow this researcher to determine whether or not antioxidants
will be useful in the reduction of inflammaging.
Arulselvan, Palanisamy, et al. “Role of Antioxidants and Natural Products in Inflammation.”
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Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, vol. 2016, 2016, doi:10.1155/2016/5276130.

This study outlines a diet with various foods proven to reduce inflammation individually. The
effect of this combination on the overall inflammation in the body will allow this researcher to
determine what diet is optimal for the reduction of inflammaging.
Giugliano, D, et al. “The Effects of Diet on Inflammation: Emphasis on the Metabolic
Syndrome.” Journal of the American College of Cardiology., U.S. National Library of
Medicine, 15 Aug. 2006.

*SEE PAGE 8 FOR MORE COMPREHENSIVE LIST OF SOURCES

Intended Audience: I intend to make this research understandable to the general public, given
this is relevant to preserving one’s health and living as long and well as possible. I also want to
make it at the level that other researchers would look for.

Distribution Plan: I intend to get the higher level version my final product published in a journal
and the version intended for the general public will be published online in order to maximise the
amount of readers.

Data Analysis

● The concentration of pro-inflammatory cytokines and the amount on inflammation in

the body directly correspond because pro-inflammatory cytokines signal for
inflammation. Anti-inflammatory cytokines and inflammation have an inverse
relationship since anti-inflammatory cytokines prevent proinflammatory cytokines from
signaling for inflammation. Using anti-inflammatory cytokines, the overall inflammation
in the body can be decreased and the exhaustion of immune cells resulting from chronic
low-grade inflammation can be reduced with it.
● The concentration of the anti-inflammatory must be balanced with that of the
pro-inflammatory cytokines in order for your immune system to remain function. An
overabundance of anti-inflammatory cytokines would cause an over correction. This
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anti-inflammatory trend “may cause an increased susceptibility to infections in
pre-reproducing life” (Miniciulo 122). Inflammation remains an integral part of immune
response to pathogens. The excess of anti-inflammatory cytokines would impair this
response by disabling the body from creating inflammation on the scale it is needed.
Matching the concentration of the anti-inflammatory cytokines to the excess
pro-inflammatory cytokine secreted allows for the unnecessary inflammation to be
prevented. This means that the exhaustion of immune cells from overuse due to
inflammation is minimized while not impairing the immune response to threats it utilises
inflammation to combat.
● Dark green leaves are known for their anti-inflammatory properties. They “supply a
significant amount of folate” which aids in DNA repair (Yan 1). Mutations in DNA build
and cause certain malfunctions in the individual cells’ functioning, including immune cell
functioning. Increased folate prevents these mutations and the resulting malfunctions,
aiding the immune system’s integrity. Dark green leaves also provide antioxidants.
Research shows “there is an inverse link between the dietary consumption of antioxidant
rich foods and prevalence of human illness” (Arulselvan 5). The immune system’s
defense against pathogens is therefore notably improved by the consumption of
antioxidant rich foods. This is most certainly caused by the reduction of free radicals and
the resulting reduction of unnecessary inflammation.
● Omega-3 fatty acids, a specific type of fat found in various sources, decrease
inflammation. A diet with omega-3s and polyphenols has been proven successful in
reducing silent inflammation. Silent inflammation is painless inflammation with no
visible symptoms. Omega-3 PUFA reduces this inflammation reduces by reducing the
immune response on the cellular level by “competing with arachidonic acid, which
produces inflammatory eicosanoids” (Blackburn 1). Eicosanoids are chemicals that
promote inflammation in the body and the omega-3 PUFA. Preventing inflammatory
eicosanoids from being created and prevents the body from using them to signal for
inflammation. Omega-3 fatty acids are present in cold-water fatty fish, walnuts, chia
seed, flaxseed, soybean oil, and canola oil. These should be a large part of a
anti-inflammatory diet. The anti-inflammatory properties of Omega-3 fatty acids and
antioxidant rich foods would reduce the inflammation in the body significantly. This
would reduce the exhausted cells created by the increased secretion of pro-inflammatory
cytokines caused by free radicals and signalled by eicosanoids.
● A decrease in inflammation is shown in individuals who report performing more
frequent and more intense physical activity. This is measured by the decrease in
inflammatory marker concentrations in these individuals (Nicklas 3). The biomarker
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concentrations decreased proportionally to inflammation showing increasing the intensity
of an exercise decreased inflammation. . Studies showed that “exercise intervention
resulted in a significant 16% reduction in IL-6. CRP was 32% lower after exercise”
(Woods 1). Inflammation decreased significantly in proportion to the reduction of CRP.
IL-6 or interleukin-6, a prevalent pro-inflammatory cytokine, decreased with exercise as
well. Exercise therefore combats the secretion of inflammatory cytokines and prevents
them from signalling for inflammation. The reduction of inflammation occured within a
wide range of ages and races. Exercise has therefore been proven to consistently reduce
inflammation in the body.

Conclusion
The three components investigated improve immune functioning in the body by reducing
inflammation overall. Inflammation can be counteracted by opposing the effects of
pro-inflammatory cytokines with anti-inflammatory. This, along with a diet that discourages
inflammation and an exercise routine that does the same, will prevent chronic low-grade
inflammation and nullify its effect on the innate immune system’s functioning. These
improvements to immune system functioning would give the elderly an easier, more enjoyable
old age, and prolong their life. Their immune systems would be stronger and more capable of
fighting illness. Sickness would not be long and drawn out for the elderly, they would be able to
recover and be healthy. They would live longer and not be weathered and exhausted from having
such long and drawn out fights. If applied earlier in life, these strategies would prolong life even
longer, one’s immune system would act and function as that of a person substantially younger.
These treatments of the immune system’s exhaustion with age would create a better more
enjoyable life for anyone who used them.

How to prevent aging in the immune system?
Inflammation is found to be one of the most
common contributors to the exhaustion of the
immune system. (The Aging of the Immune
System) (The Hallmarks of Aging) (Innate
Immunosenescence)

How to prevent inflammation?


How can anti-inflammatory cytokines be used
to reduce inflammation?
How does this help the immune system?
Why? How?
Is this a reliable treatment method?
How can excercise be used to reduce
inflammation?
What kind of exercise aids the immune
system?
How does this help the immune system?
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Anti-Inflammatory Cytokines
Diet
Exercise
Anti-Inflammatory Cytokines: Proteins that
prevent inflammation by “competing” with
pro-inflammatory cytokines and therefore
blocking them from signalling for
inflammation (The definition of the term)
If used in the proper concentration they will
cancel out unnecessary inflammation and not
interfere with the body and its functions
(Inflammaging and Anti-Inflammaging: The
Role of Cytokines)
Specific anti-inflammatory cytokines
counteract specific pro-inflammatory so the
right ones need to be used.
(Anti-inflammatory Factors)
The immune system spends less energy on
maintaining a higher level of inflammation in
the body. The cells are therefore less
exhausted and more proficient in acting when
actually needed.
Being physical active stimulates metabolism
in a human's organism, including oxidative,
inflammatory and neuroendocrinological
systems
Studies proved this by looking at how
biomarker concentrations showing
inflammation reacted to exercise.

Why? How?
Is this a reliable treatment method?
How can diet be used to reduce
inflammation?
Why? How?
Is this a reliable treatment method?
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Data from observational studies show lower
inflammatory biomarker concentrations in
individuals who report performing more
frequent and more intense physical activity.
(Nicklas 3)
“exercise intervention resulted in a
significant 16% reduction in IL-6. CRP was
32% lower after exercise” (Woods 1)
Exercise would be expected to cause more
inflammation due to the tears and damage it
causes to the muscle tissue and blood vessels,
but these studies show the opposite.
This is because the body becomes acclimated
to that level of wear and tear and more easily
repairs it over time without signalling for
inflammation.
Exercise that is high in intensity, causes
accelerated heart rate is beneficial to health.
Diet can cause and reduce inflammation.
Certain foods contain nutrients or proteins
that combat inflammation.
Consumption of a diet high in fruits,
vegetables, nuts, and whole grains and low in
refined grain causes lowering of inflammation
(Giugliano 1)
Dark Green Leaves: full of antioxidants
- Antioxidants - prevent oxidation
- Oxidation creates free radicals
which damage the body and cause
inflammation
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- Has proteins and chemicals

necessary for keeping a cell young
but making sure it’s DNA and other
parts are error free
PUFA (polyunsaturated-fatty-acids):
competes with arachidonic acid, which
produces inflammatory eicosanoids
(Nutrition and Inflammatory Events 1)
- Arachidonic Acid produces
inflammation so this prevents
inflammation by competing as well

Vitamins and Minerals: Vitamin D, Iron

- These are used by the body when
dealing with inflammation so
having them in a healthy amount
helps reduce inflammation

Questions
1. Why does exercise dramatically reduce inflammation?
2. Do specific kinds of exercise have more impact on the overall inflammation than others?
3. Does this decrease compound with the decrease from an anti-inflammatory diet? What
about the use of anti-inflammatory cytokines?
4. Does the manner in which anti-inflammatory cytokines are applies impact how they
affect the body?
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Sources
Allen, Jacob & Sun, Yi & A. Woods, Jeffrey. (2015). Exercise and the Regulation of
Inflammatory Responses. Progress in Molecular Biology and Translational Science. 135.
10.1016/bs.pmbts.2015.07.003.
Arulselvan, Palanisamy, et al. “Role of Antioxidants and Natural Products in Inflammation.”
Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, vol. 2016, 2016, doi:10.1155/2016/5276130.
Blackburn, G L. “Nutrition and Inflammatory Events: Highly Unsaturated Fatty Acids
(Omega-3 vs Omega-6) in Surgical Injury.” Proceedings of the Society for Experimental
Biology and Medicine. Society for Experimental Biology and Medicine (New York,
N.Y.)., U.S. National Library of Medicine, June 1992.
Beavers, Kristen M., et al. “Effect of Exercise Training on Chronic Inflammation.” Clinica
Chimica Acta; International Journal of Clinical Chemistry, U.S. National Library of
Medicine, 3 June 2010.
Franceschi, C. “Inflammaging as a Major Characteristic of Old People: Can It Be
Prevented or Cured?” Nutrition Reviews., U.S. National Library of Medicine, Dec. 2007.
Franceschi, Claudio, and Judith Campisi. “Chronic Inflammation (Inflammaging) and Its
Potential Contribution to Age-Associated Diseases | The Journals of Gerontology: Series
A | Oxford Academic.” OUP Academic, Oxford University Press, 8 May 2014.
Giugliano, D, et al. “The Effects of Diet on Inflammation: Emphasis on the Metabolic
Syndrome.” Journal of the American College of Cardiology., U.S. National Library of
Medicine, 15 Aug. 2006.
Kiecolt-Glaser, Janice K. “Stress, Food, and Inflammation: Psychoneuroimmunology and
Nutrition at the Cutting Edge.” Psychosomatic Medicine, U.S. National Library of
Medicine, May 2010.
Minciullo, Paola Lucia, et al. “Inflammaging and Anti-Inflammaging: The Role of
Cytokines in Extreme Longevity.” SpringerLink, Springer International Publishing, 12
Dec. 2015.
Nicklas, Barbara J., and Tina E. Brinkley. “Exercise Training as a Treatment for Chronic
Inflammation in the Elderly.” Exercise and Sport Sciences Reviews, U.S. National
Library of Medicine, Oct. 2009, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2789351/.
Pernille , Hojman. “Exercise Protects from Cancer through Regulation of Immune Function and
Inflammation.” Biochemical Society Transactions, Portland Press, 3 July 2017.
Reeve, Amy, et al. “Ageing and Parkinson's Disease: Why Is Advancing Age the Biggest
Risk Factor?.” Ageing Research Reviews, Elsevier Science, Mar. 2014.
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Sifferlin, Alexandra. “How Cycling In Old Age Can Keep Your Immune System Young.”
Time, Time, 9 Mar. 2018, time.com/5193032/cycling-old-age-immune-system/.
Woods, Jeffrey A., et al. “Exercise, Inflammation and Aging.” Aging and Disease, JKL
International LLC, Feb. 2012.
Xia, Shijin, et al. “An Update on Inflamm-Aging: Mechanisms, Prevention, and
Treatment.” Journal of Immunology Research, Hindawi Publishing Corporation, 2016.