Hallmarks of Aging in Macrophages: Consequences to Skin Inflammaging

Abstract

The skin is our largest organ and the outermost protective barrier. Its aging reflects both intrinsic and extrinsic processes resulting from the constant insults it is exposed to. Aging in the skin is accompanied by specific epigenetic modifications, accumulation of senescent cells, reduced cellular proliferation/tissue renewal, altered extracellular matrix, and a proinflammatory environment favoring undesirable conditions, including disease onset. Macrophages (Mφ) are the most abundant immune cell type in the skin and comprise a group of heterogeneous and plastic cells that are key for skin homeostasis and host defense. However, they have also been implicated in orchestrating chronic inflammation during aging. Since Mφ are related to innate and adaptive immunity, it is possible that age-modified skin Mφ promote adaptive immunity exacerbation and exhaustion, favoring the emergence of proinflammatory pathologies, such as skin cancer. In this review, we will highlight recent findings pertaining to the effects of aging hallmarks over Mφ, supporting the recognition of such cell types as a driving force in skin inflammaging and age-related diseases. We will also present recent research targeting Mφ as potential therapeutic interventions in inflammatory skin disorders and cancer.

Ginkgo biloba in the Aging Process: A Narrative Review

“…As a result of the metabolism, several conditions, such as infections, stress, inflammation exposure, radiation, and smoke, produce reactive oxygen species (ROS). When the endogenous antioxidant system or the intake of exogenous antioxidants is insufficient, these molecules can lead to irreversible cell damage and are associated with various diseases, such as diabetes, obesity, hypertension, CVD, cataracts, neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer [33][34][35][36]. Several antioxidants can help to prevent the impact of the aging process.…”

“…antioxidant system or the intake of exogenous antioxidants is insufficient, these molecules can lead to irreversible cell damage and are associated with various diseases, such as diabetes, obesity, hypertension, CVD, cataracts, neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer [33][34][35][36]. Several antioxidants can help to prevent the impact of the aging process.…”

Skin Aging, Cellular Senescence and Natural Polyphenols

“…However, importantly, the persistent cutaneous chronic inflammation levels have been associated with the aging of macrophages [ 211 ]. In this regard, skin-resident macrophages display a shift towards pro-inflammatory phenotypes, which promote further tissue inflammation in the skin microenvironment through the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, activation of important inflammatory pathways and increased oxidative stress.…”

Aging and Cancer: The Waning of Community Bonds

“…While very effective in keeping cancer at bay during our reproductive years, the immune system itself undergoes a progressive decline with aging, contributing to the establishment of the so-called "immunosenescence" [35,36]. For instance, aging is characterized by a decline in macrophage metabolic and immune function, with a reduced clearance and immunosurveillance capacity [37].…”