Predicting death from tumour necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-6 in 80-year-old people

Researchers studied people aged 80 and measured two blood markers. Tumour necrosis factor-alpha is an immune-system signal linked to inflammation, and interleukin-6 is another inflammation signal. They followed the participants for several years and recorded who died. People with higher levels of these markers were more likely to die during the follow-up period. This was an observational study, so it found a link rather than proof that inflammation caused the deaths.

What this means for you: This does not show that lowering these markers would help people live longer. It also gives no reason to buy a supplement or ask for these blood tests without medical advice.