ConferenceGeneva biology of ageing workshop 2000: phagocytes, inflammation, and ageing
Introduction
Ageing and inflammation research — seen from a distance — are natural partners. Many aspects of ageing involve inflammatory processes, and reactive oxygen species, thought to be crucial for ageing mechanisms, are abundantly produced by inflammatory cells. Yet, interactions and cross-fertilization between the two fields are scarce. It was the aim of the Geneva Biology of Ageing Workshop 2000 to contribute to the bridging of this gap.
In his introductory remarks, Peter Suter (Dean of the Geneva Medical School) confirmed the commitment of the Geneva Medical School to the development of a strong program in ageing research. He also made the analogy between acute systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), leading to acute tissue damage, and chronic inflammation leading to long-term tissue damage in the ageing process.
The workshop itself was divided into five sessions, all centered on the role of phagocytes and phagocyte-dependent inflammation in the ageing process. Three sessions of the workshop dealt with age-related diseases and the pathogenic roles of certain phagocytes in these processes.
Section snippets
Alzheimer's disease and microglia
The presence of microglia (i.e. phagocytes of the central nervous system) in typical Alzheimer's lesions has been noticed for a long time. The idea that Alzheimer's disease (AD) might have an inflammatory component has been strengthened through observations showing that individuals taking anti-inflammatory drugs for a prolonged period (e.g. patients with rheumatoid arthritis) are less likely to develop AD. In the workshop session on AD, Ezio Giacobini (Geneva, Switzerland) first summarized the
Osteoporosis and osteoclast function
Osteoporosis is one of the major age-associated diseases. As for AD, it appears that phagocytes play an important role in the pathogenesis of this disease. René Rizzoli (Geneva, Switzerland) reviewed the role of osteoclasts in the development and progress of osteoporosis. Osteoclasts are specialized macrophage polykaryons whose differentiation is principally regulated by the macrophage colony stimulating factor, RANK ligand, and osteoprotegerin. The osteoclast is capable of establishing an
Atherosclerosis, endothelium, and leukocyte mobility
Rudolf Virchow had noticed very early the presence of inflammatory cells in atherosclerotic lesions. However, it took more than a century to establish the concept of atherosclerosis as an inflammatory disease. François Mach (Geneva, Switzerland) first discussed the general concept of the inflammatory pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. He then showed specific data on the role of the CD40/CD40 ligand system in vascular inflammation. The emerging picture indicates that ligation of the receptor CD40
Infection and ageing
Raymond Auckenthaler (Geneva, Switzerland) gave an overview of the relationships between infection and ageing. Ageing is often associated with infections. A century ago, severe infections such as respiratory tract infections, intra abdominal infections, endocarditis, and tuberculosis prevented ageing and people did survive more than 60 years. Infections shorten ageing because of lower reserve capacities, decreased host resistance, chronic underlying disease, delayed diagnosis and therapy, poor
Reactive oxygen species, NADPH oxidases, and ageing
The reactive oxygen species (ROS) theory of ageing was formulated more than 40 years ago, based initially on observations in radiobiology. Starting from this specialized field, the ROS theory has gained momentum and become an important paradigm in research on the causes of ageing and age-related disease. However, despite a widespread belief that oxygen radicals are causal in ageing, very little direct evidence for this hypothesis is available. Gordon Lithgow (Manchester, UK) discussed the
Summary
The Geneva Biology of Ageing Workshop 2000 was undoubtedly a successful start of what is now planned to become a regular event in European ageing research. The conference topics will change; however, the formula will remain the same: (i) choose a major topic in ageing research; (ii) keep the small informal workshop atmosphere; and (iii) bring people together who would not necessarily frequent the same meetings otherwise. The Geneva Biology of Ageing Workshop 2001 will take place on 27–29
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