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Inflammatory Cytokines

Meaning

Inflammatory cytokines are a diverse group of small signaling proteins, primarily secreted by immune cells, that act as key communicators in the body’s inflammatory response. These molecules, such as Interleukin-6 (IL-6), Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α), and Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), mediate local and systemic inflammation, recruiting immune cells and initiating tissue repair. Chronic, low-grade elevation of these markers is a hallmark of “inflammaging” and is closely linked to metabolic dysfunction and endocrine resistance.