Metabolic inflammation, often referred to as ‘metaflammation,’ is a chronic, low-grade inflammatory state that arises as a direct consequence of metabolic dysfunction, particularly in conditions like obesity, insulin resistance, and dyslipidemia. Unlike acute inflammation, which is a necessary immune response to injury, metaflammation is characterized by the persistent activation of innate immune pathways within metabolic tissues such as adipose tissue, liver, and muscle. This sustained cellular stress and cytokine release interfere with normal insulin signaling and energy homeostasis, significantly contributing to the pathogenesis of cardiometabolic diseases. Addressing the underlying metabolic derangements is crucial for resolving this harmful inflammatory cycle.
Origin
This term is a relatively recent addition to the lexicon of immunology and endocrinology, emerging from the scientific discovery that obesity is not merely an energy storage issue but a state of chronic immune activation. The term links ‘metabolic’ processes with the ‘inflammation’ response, recognizing their inseparable pathological connection. This understanding has revolutionized the clinical approach to chronic diseases previously considered purely metabolic.
Mechanism
The mechanism is triggered by excess nutrient intake and the subsequent overload of metabolic pathways, leading to cellular stress within adipocytes and hepatocytes. Stressed cells release damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), which activate immune cells like macrophages to infiltrate the adipose tissue. These activated immune cells then secrete pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α and IL-6, which disrupt the insulin receptor signaling cascade. This systemic inflammatory milieu further impairs glucose utilization and promotes lipolysis, thereby perpetuating the cycle of metabolic dysfunction and chronic inflammation.
Estrogen dysregulation, if unaddressed, can lead to long-term systemic health challenges affecting metabolic function, cognitive health, and bone density.
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