Targeting inflammation to slow or delay functional decline: where are we?

The role of inflammation in the pathophysiologyof chronic age-related diseases is increasinglyrecognized, and inflammation could representthe common pathway linking diseases and disability.Thus, targeting inflammation could represent a usefulstrategy at preventing or delaying functional decline.In this paper we review recent evidence suggestingthat selected drugs, such as statins, fibrates, angiotensinconverting enzyme-inhibitors and angiotensinreceptor blockers, and physical exercise may be ableto contrast functional decline by blunting inflammation.Results from randomized trials investigating theeffects of physical activity programs on inflammationand functional decline is still limited, and furtherinvestigations are warranted.