Aging and Hematopoiesis

Clin Geriatr Med. 2019 Aug;35(3):285-293. doi: 10.1016/j.cger.2019.03.001. Epub 2019 May 9.

Abstract

In hematopoiesis, mature blood cells, granulocytes, erythrocytes, and megakaryocytes originate from hematopoietic stem cells. With age, changes in hematopoiesis may have clinical consequences: defective immune responses, cytopenias (most commonly anemia and lymphopenia), hematological malignancy, and effects mediated by hematopoietic cells in other organs. Clonal hematopoiesis is commonly seen with aging and has been associated with both blood concerns and atherosclerosis, but further study is required to determine a causative link.

Keywords: Anemia in the elderly; Clonal cytopenia of undetermined significance; Clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential; Hematopoiesis.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aging / physiology*
  • Anemia / etiology*
  • Female
  • Hematopoiesis / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Male