Fig. 5: Effect of FOXO3 Genotype on IL-10 Levels in Men and Women Aged ≥ 55 years.

Relative IL-10 levels were assessed as a function of genotype in the old male population (a) (n = 78, TT = 44, G-carrier=34). Carriage of the protective G-allele correlated with enhanced increase in levels of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 with age compared to those lacking the G-allele (TT genotype) (P = 0.04). Relative IL-10 levels were assessed as a function of genotype in the older female population (b) (n = 80, TT = 42, G-carrier=38). Possession of the G-allele did not exhibit an association with increases of the anti-inflammatory cytokine when compared to that seen in individuals with the TT genotype (P > 0.05). A significant sex-specific effect was observed, namely, males demonstrated robust protection against decreasing levels of IL-10 as a function of age as compared to females (P = 0.007). No effect of FOXO3 genotype on IL10 levels was observed in the young.