What is the Origin of Neuroinflammation and Aging?

This term is central to neuroimmunology and geroscience, emerging from research demonstrating that chronic microglial activation leads to the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which are detrimental to neuronal health. It links the systemic inflammatory theory of aging, or "inflammaging," directly to the brain.

What is the Mechanism of Neuroinflammation and Aging?

The mechanism involves senescent cells and accumulated molecular damage triggering pattern recognition receptors on microglia, causing them to shift to a pro-inflammatory phenotype. This chronic release of inflammatory mediators, such as interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), disrupts synaptic plasticity and impairs the integrity of the blood-brain barrier. Furthermore, neuroinflammation can directly interfere with hypothalamic function, thereby dysregulating the pulsatile release of pituitary hormones and impacting the entire endocrine cascade.

Neuroinflammation and Aging

Meaning

Neuroinflammation and Aging describes the chronic, low-grade activation of the central nervous system’s immune cells, primarily microglia, that progressively increases with chronological age. This sustained inflammatory state within the brain and spinal cord is not an acute infection response but rather a key driver of neurodegenerative processes and cognitive decline. It represents a significant mechanism by which systemic aging impairs neuroendocrine communication.