High innate production capacity of tumor necrosis factor-α and decline of handgrip strength in old age

Increased signaling of the pro-inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) elicits apoptosis of skeletal muscle cells in various animal models. Within a population-based prospective follow up study of elderly people aged 85 years we show that a high innate production capacity of TNF–α precedes a steeper decline in muscle strength over time.