What is the Origin of Inflammation Clock Monitoring?

This concept is a product of geroscience and immunometabolism, recognizing that chronic, low-grade inflammation, or "inflammaging," is a primary and measurable driver of age-related disease and hormonal decline. The 'clock' metaphor emphasizes that inflammation is a predictable, measurable aspect of biological time that can be clinically tracked and potentially reversed.

What is the Mechanism of Inflammation Clock Monitoring?

Monitoring is typically executed by analyzing a panel of inflammatory mediators, including high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), various interleukins (IL-6, IL-1β), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). The interplay between these pro-inflammatory signals and counter-regulatory hormones, such as cortisol, is assessed to determine the overall inflammatory set point. Effective clinical intervention aims to recalibrate this clock by dampening chronic inflammatory signaling pathways and restoring immune balance.

Inflammation Clock Monitoring ∞ Area

Inflammation Clock Monitoring

Meaning

Inflammation Clock Monitoring is a clinical and scientific approach focused on tracking and assessing the cumulative, chronic inflammatory burden within the body over time, treating it as a key metric of biological aging. This monitoring involves serial measurement of specific pro- and anti-inflammatory biomarkers to estimate an individual’s inflammatory age or ‘inflammage.’ The goal is to identify early shifts toward a pro-inflammatory state, allowing for preemptive intervention to reduce the risk of age-related disease.