What is the Origin of Sterile Inflammation?

The term is a descriptive clinical and immunological one, where 'sterile' denotes the absence of microbial infection, and 'inflammation' refers to the innate immune response. Its recognition as a distinct pathology arose from research linking metabolic overload, such as excess visceral fat and cholesterol, to chronic immune activation. This contrasts with acute inflammation, which is the body's rapid response to trauma or infection.

What is the Mechanism of Sterile Inflammation?

The mechanism is initiated by the release of damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) from stressed or dying cells, which act as "danger signals." These DAMPs, including free fatty acids or oxidized lipids, activate pattern recognition receptors on innate immune cells, such as macrophages, triggering the formation of inflammasomes. This activation leads to the sustained production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which drive insulin resistance, metabolic dysfunction, and tissue damage characteristic of diseases like type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Sterile Inflammation

Meaning

Sterile Inflammation is a chronic, low-grade inflammatory state that develops within the body without the presence of a traditional external pathogen like bacteria, viruses, or fungi. It is a persistent immune response triggered by endogenous danger signals and cellular stress. This non-infectious form of inflammation is a key pathological feature underlying many chronic metabolic and age-related diseases.