Context: Insulin resistance and type 2 Diabetes have been associated to a low grade of inflammation and their prevalence increase with ageing.
Objective: To analyse the development of inflammation in adipose tissue, liver, muscle and hypothalamus during ageing and the effects of caloric restriction.
Materials and methods: We have analysed the expression of inflammatory cytokines (TNFα, IL1-β, IL-12B and IL-6), proteins involved in macrophage recruitment (MCP-1, CCR2), TLR4 and macrophage markers (CD11c, CD11b and arginase1). Immunohistochemistry of macrophages has also been performed.
Results: All studied tissues present signs of inflammation during ageing, but with different pattern and intensity. Caloric restriction decreases the expression of most of inflammatory markers.
Discussion and conclusions: These data indicate a role of adiposity in the development of inflammation and insulin resistance during ageing. Dietetic intervention could be a useful tool to ameliorate the development of inflammation and insulin resistance associated with ageing.