Could ibuprofen reduce inflammation in old age?

Scientists believe simply taking ibuprofen could help to minimise inflammation in older people, which could help to restore immune function.

A study undertaken with mice revealed that certain cells in the lungs of older mice responded differently when faced with an infection in comparison to younger ones. However, ibuprofen had a profound effect and was able to counteract these alterations.

Dr Joanne Turner from the Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity and Center for Microbial Interface Biology at The Ohio State University said: "Inflammation in old age can have significant consequences on immune function."

She added how it could be possible to "reduce or prevent some diseases" in those of older age by reducing the rate of inflammation through drugs, diet or exercise. 

Deputy editor of the Journal of Leukocyte Biology - in which the research was published - Dr John Wherry stated this study showed how medicines like ibuprofen may hold greater value than is normally attributed to them. 

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