Inflammation and cell-to-cell communication, two related aspects in frailty

The database includes the raw data of the article “Inflammation and cell-to-cell communication, two related aspects in frailty”. Aim of the work was to investigate inflammation and altered intercellular communication, both mechanisms involved in the biology of frailty, to ultimately identify if extracellular vesicles (EVs), specifically large EVs (lEVs) could play a role in the immune function in frail subjects.

The database contains data obtained by means the following evaluations: i) Cobas 6000 automated analysis for the detection of c-reactive protein (CRP) plasma levels; ii) Meso Scale Discovery analysis for detection of cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNFα, IFNγ and IL-13) plasma levels; iii) Nano Tracking Assay analysis for the detection of size and concentration of lEVs; iv) flow cytometry analysis for the detection of immunological markers (TLR2, TLR4, CD40 and CD120B) and senescence markers (CD221 and IL-6R) on lEVs.

We found that CRP plasma levels increases in Fr subjects, thus suggesting a role of CRP as a possible biomarker in subjects experiencing symptoms of frailty. Moreover, we observed an increase in IL-1β, IL-6 and TNFα plasma levels in frail subjects. All these evidences point the robust involvement of inflammaging in frailty and suggest the role of circulating cytokines in the identification of frailty. We also  focused on the role of lEVs and pro-inflammatory and pro-senescent hallmarks in frailty. We reported that lEVs size and concentration is not affected by frailty, howeverTLR2, TLR4 , CD40 and CD120b (TNF Receptor II) are significantly more expressed in lEVs of frail subjects respect to nFr. These results are indicative of a first and clear involvement of lEVs in the activation of pro-inflammatory pathways in frailty.

Finally, in frail individuals we reported a significant increase in lEVs positive to markers of senescence: the IGF1receptor (CD221) and the IL6 receptor (IL6R). These evidences suggest IGF1 as a new potential biomarker of frailty, although new studies are needed. Moreover, positivity for the IL6R and the concomitant increase in circulating IL6 suggest a possible crucial role of lEVs in the delivery of cytokines through extracellular release and absorption. In conclusion, lEVs may contribute to the creation of a pro-inflammatory and pro-senescent microenvironment that acts as one of the major contributors to frailty.