MicroRNA Regulation of Chronic Inflammation During Aging

We will recruit healthy, non-obese (<30kg/m2 BMI) younger (N=20; 18-35y) and older (N=20; >65y) male and female participants (as determined by sample size calculation) in the Salt Lake City area.

• VISIT 1 (Screening, visit duration: 1 hour): Once the participant is identified, they will be scheduled for a screening visit at the CTSI (421 Wakara Way) to see if they meet incl/excl criteria and to sign an informed consent document. As part of the visit, Upon arrival, we will gather basic health information such as height, weight, blood pressure, and heart rate.

• Participant will undergo the following procedures: a blood screening (30ml of blood collected)
• For older cohort: The clinical frailty scale (CFS) and Mini-Cog© cognitive assessment
• VISIT 2 (visit duration: 3 hours) Following a 10h fast, participants will arrive in the morning. Upon arrival, we may gather basic health information from the participant such as height, weight, blood pressure, and heart rate. The procedures to take place at this visit are as follows:

• 120 mL serum blood sample collection. Samples will be used to identify the immune cell populations in the blood, regulators of these immune cells and how these cells function.
• Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT)- participants will be asked to complete a test to determine their blood sugar levels. We will ask them to drink a sugary liquid (glucola) and then rest quietly while we measure changes in their blood sugar levels. We will draw 20 ml of blood during this test (~1 tablespoon). OGTT will take approximately 2hours.
• Leg strength tests at the SMERF facility. Isometric strength will be assessed in both legs with a maximal voluntary isometric contraction effort developed by the knee extensors (quadriceps) on a isokinetic dynamometer. For lower extremity extension power testing a Nottingham power rig will be used. Total time for these tests will take 45 minutes.

Inclusion criteria

• Age between 18 - 35y; 65y and older
• BMI: <30 kg/m2
• Ability to sign informed consent
• For older participant group: Clinical Frailty Scale score < 3 and Mini-Cog score > 3
• Good general medical health, ambulatory and in independent living setting

Exclusion criteria

• History of cardiovascular disease (e.g., CHF, CAD, MI, CVA)
• History of endocrine or metabolic disease such as hypo/hyperthyroidism and diabetes (Treated hypo/hyperthyroid for at least 6 months will be permitted)
• History of kidney disease or failure (CKD > stage 4)
• History of vascular disease
• Uncontrolled hypertension - Elevated systolic pressure >150 or a diastolic blood pressure > 100
• Cancer or history of successfully treated cancer (less than 1 year) other than basal cell carcinoma
• Chronic systemic corticosteroid use (≥ 2 weeks) within 4 weeks of enrollment and for study duration (intra-articular/topical/inhaled therapeutic or physiologic doses of corticosteroids will be permitted)
• Chronic anti-inflammatory medication use (≥ 2 weeks) within 4 weeks of enrollment
• Chronic inflammatory conditions (e.g., Rheumatoid Arthritis, Crohn's, fibromyalgia, lupus, colitis) HIV, Hepatitis B and C
• History of stroke with motor disability
• A recent history (<12 months) of GI bleed
• History of liver disease or AST/ALT 2 times above the normal limit
• History of respiratory disease (acute upper respiratory infection, history of chronic lung disease)
• Current smokers or current tobacco use
• Current pregnancy as determined by positive pregnancy test
• Any staff members who report directly to the principal investigators.