In vitro vitamin E and selenium supplementation improves neutrophil-mediated functions and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 production in the elderly.

The in vitro effects of vitamin E and selenium on either polymorphonuclear cell (PMN)-mediated chemotaxis and phagocytosis or monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) production in 21 well-nourished elderly donors were evaluated. Results show that, before treatment, old subjects were characterized by a decrease of both PMN functions and cytokine (CK) release. By contrast, in vitro vitamin E and selenium supplementation was able to enhance significantly the depressed PMN activities and MCP-1 synthesis. These findings suggest a role for both nutrients in the modulation of impaired phagocyte responsiveness during senescence.