Abstract
BACKGROUND: Aging is accompanied by chronic low-grade inflammation (inflammaging) and neuroendocrine-immune imbalance. This study evaluated blood concentrations of cortisol, melatonin, and Th1/Th2/Th17 cytokines in elderly individuals. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted, including institutionalized elderly individuals (n = 32) and elderly individuals living with family members (n = 29). Blood samples were collected between 8:00 and 10:00 a.m. for cytokine quantification (IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17, TNF-α, IFN-γ) by flow cytometry and for cortisol and melatonin measurement by ELISA, ensuring accurate interpretation while considering their circadian variations. RESULTS: Institutionalized individuals showed higher IL-6 (p = 0.0261) and IFN-γ (p = 0.0065), and lower IL-2 (p = 0.0006), IL-4 (p = 0.0043), IL-17 (p = 0.0025), and TNF-α (p = 0.0243). Blood cortisol (p = 0.0309) and melatonin (p = 0.0407) were also elevated. Cortisol correlated negatively with IL-2 (r = -0.5986, p = 0.0397) and IL-6 (r = -0.6135, p = 0.0338). CONCLUSIONS: Institutionalization is associated with elevated blood hormone levels and an imbalanced cytokine pattern, indicating disruption of the neuroendocrine-immune network. These alterations align with the concept of inflammaging and highlight the impact of the living environment on immune-endocrine regulation in older adults.