Inflammaging
The chronic low-grade inflammation that accelerates ageing
Definition
Inflammaging (a contraction of 'inflammation' and 'ageing') describes the state of chronic, low-grade systemic inflammation that progressively sets in with ageing. Unlike acute inflammation (protective, self-limiting), inflammaging is persistent, silent, and destructive. It is the primary co-factor of age-related diseases: Alzheimer's, atherosclerosis, type 2 diabetes, sarcopenia, osteoporosis, and several types of cancer.
Detailed explanation
The term was coined by Claudio Franceschi (University of Bologna) in 2000. Its causes are multiple: accumulation of senescent cells that secrete SASP (Senescence-Associated Secretory Phenotype — an inflammatory cocktail), mitochondrial dysfunction with increased ROS, microbiome dysbiosis, chronic activation of NF-κB, and accumulation of cellular debris that the immune system continuously attempts to clear.
The most monitored inflammaging biomarkers are: hsCRP (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein), IL-6, TNF-α, ferritin, and IL-1β. Elevated fasting levels predict a higher risk of nearly all chronic diseases.
Interventions with the strongest evidence for reducing inflammaging: regular exercise (chronically reduces IL-6), Mediterranean diet (anti-inflammatory polyphenols), reduction of visceral adipose tissue (the largest producer of cytokines), NAD+ IV therapy (activates SIRT1, which inhibits NF-κB), cryotherapy, and ozone therapy.
Scientific sources
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