Vaccination mitigates influenza-induced muscular declines in aged mice.

ABSTRACT: Influenza (flu) infection increases the risk for disability, falls, and broken bones in older adults. We have employed a preclinical model to examine the impact of flu on muscle function, which has a direct impact on fall risk. In mice, flu causes mobility and strength impairments with induction of inflammatory and muscle degradation genes that are increased and prolonged with aging. To determine if vaccination could reduce flu-induced muscle decrements, mice were vaccinated with flu nucleoprotein, infected, and muscle parameters were measured. Vaccination of aged mice resulted in significant protection from functional decrements, muscle gene expressions alterations, and morphological damage. Vaccination also improved protection from lung localized and systemic inflammation in aged mice. D

SUBMITTER: Keilich SR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7732952 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature