Experimental gerontology
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Experimental gerontology · Aug 2009
Associations of neutrophil and monocyte counts with frailty in community-dwelling disabled older women: results from the Women's Health and Aging Studies I.
Frailty is an important geriatric syndrome that predicts disability and mortality. Substantial evidence suggests that inflammation marked by elevated IL-6 levels and total white blood cell (WBC) counts contribute to this syndrome. However, the relationships of WBC subpopulations, the important inflammatory and immune cells, with frailty have not been investigated. ⋯ In addition, the identified associations were independent of IL-6. No significant associations of lymphocyte, eosinophil, or basophil counts with frailty were observed. These findings provide initial insight into potential roles of neutrophils and monocytes in the pathogenesis of frailty and a basis for further investigation into their function and regulation in frail older women.