Inflammaging is a portmanteau term describing the chronic, low-grade, sterile, and systemic inflammation that characterizes the aging process, even in the absence of overt infection or autoimmune disease. This persistent inflammatory state is driven by the accumulation of senescent cells, mitochondrial dysfunction, and a dysregulated innate immune system, leading to the continuous, low-level release of pro-inflammatory cytokines like IL-6 and TNF-alpha. Inflammaging is a major driver of age-related diseases and directly contributes to endocrine resistance, particularly insulin and leptin resistance.
Origin
The term “Inflammaging” was coined by Italian immunologist Claudio Franceschi in the early 2000s to concisely capture the inseparable link between the aging process and chronic inflammation, moving beyond the traditional view of aging as purely wear-and-tear. It is an etymological blend of “inflammation” and “aging,” signifying a distinct, measurable biological phenotype of senescence. This concept has become foundational in longevity research and clinical anti-aging protocols.
Mechanism
The mechanism involves the chronic activation of the innate immune system and the accumulation of senescent cells, which secrete a pro-inflammatory milieu known as the Senescence-Associated Secretory Phenotype (SASP). These circulating cytokines interfere with the signaling pathways of key metabolic hormones, causing receptor desensitization and driving metabolic dysregulation. For example, chronic inflammation impairs insulin signaling, contributing to hyperglycemia, and can disrupt the hypothalamic control of the HPT and HPG axes, accelerating age-related hormonal decline.
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.