Pro-inflammatory Cytokines
The proteins that control inflammation — and become dysregulated with ageing
Definition
Cytokines are signalling proteins that regulate the immune and inflammatory response. The most relevant for ageing are IL-6 (interleukin 6) and TNF-α (tumour necrosis factor alpha). Chronically elevated levels define the phenomenon of 'inflammaging' — the chronic low-grade inflammation that sets in with age and is a co-factor of nearly all degenerative diseases: Alzheimer's, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer.
Detailed explanation
IL-6 is the most monitored cytokine in longevity medicine. Chronically elevated levels (>3 pg/mL fasting) predict higher all-cause mortality. TNF-α activates the transcription factor NF-κB, the master switch of systemic inflammation.
Treatments with documented reductions in inflammatory markers: - Whole-body cryotherapy (WBC): 20–30% reduction in IL-6 and TNF-α after 10 sessions - Ozone therapy: Nrf2 activation, 30% reduction in CRP - NAD+ IV: activates SIRT1, which inhibits NF-κB - Hyperbaric oxygen therapy: reduction of oxidative stress and neuroinflammation - MSC stem cells: secretion of anti-inflammatory IL-10 and TGF-β
hsCRP (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein) and IL-6 are the most accessible and relevant inflammatory biomarkers for monitoring the response to any longevity protocol.
Related terms
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