Inflammaging Science is the interdisciplinary study of the chronic, low-grade, sterile, and systemic inflammation that characterizes the aging process, serving as a fundamental driver of age-related decline and pathology. This pervasive inflammatory state, distinct from acute infection, involves the persistent elevation of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, contributing to the pathogenesis of most non-communicable diseases of aging. Understanding and modulating inflammaging is a core objective of longevity and anti-aging medicine.
Origin
The term “Inflammaging” is a portmanteau coined by Professor Claudio Franceschi in the early 2000s, combining “inflammation” and “aging” to describe the inextricably linked phenomena. This concept shifted the paradigm from viewing aging as purely passive wear-and-tear to recognizing it as an active, biologically regulated process involving chronic immune system activation. It has since become a central tenet in gerontology and immunosenescence research.
Mechanism
The mechanism is complex, involving the accumulation of cellular debris and senescent cells—cells that have stopped dividing but remain metabolically active—which collectively form the Senescence-Associated Secretory Phenotype (SASP). These senescent cells continuously release pro-inflammatory molecules, including IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α, into the circulation. This chronic, low-level signaling compromises the function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and reduces tissue sensitivity to key metabolic hormones like insulin, thereby accelerating the onset of metabolic and endocrine disorders.
We use cookies to personalize content and marketing, and to analyze our traffic. This helps us maintain the quality of our free resources. manage your preferences below.
Detailed Cookie Preferences
This helps support our free resources through personalized marketing efforts and promotions.
Analytics cookies help us understand how visitors interact with our website, improving user experience and website performance.
Personalization cookies enable us to customize the content and features of our site based on your interactions, offering a more tailored experience.