Skip to main content

Pro-Inflammatory Cytokine Burden

Meaning

Pro-inflammatory cytokine burden refers to the cumulative concentration and detrimental physiological impact of signaling proteins, such as Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), that promote and sustain systemic inflammation. A high burden indicates a state of chronic immune activation, often termed “inflammaging,” which accelerates tissue damage, compromises metabolic function, and is a key driver of age-related diseases. Clinically, quantifying this burden through serum measurement is vital for assessing overall biological stress and the risk of chronic morbidity. Reducing this burden is a primary goal in anti-aging and hormonal therapy.