Rejuvenating the Aged Intestinal System

Abstract

In the elderly, the intestine experiences altered functionality and compromised regenerative capacity especially following chemotherapy treatments. Omrani et al discovered that this is due to a chronic inflammatory environment fueled by the cytokine Interferon gamma (IFNg). Remarkably, a mere 5 days pre-treatment with an anti- IFNg allowed old mice to completely regenerate their intestine after chemotherapy, neutralizing the typically devastating side effects.