The measured, steady-state concentration of pro- and anti-inflammatory biomarkers in the circulation, such as C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukins, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), reflecting the chronic, low-grade inflammatory status of the body. Establishing these baselines is essential for identifying “inflammaging,” a major driver of age-related disease and hormonal dysfunction. Clinically, a low, stable baseline is a marker of metabolic health and longevity.
Origin
The term is rooted in immunology and geroscience, where the concept of chronic, sterile inflammation as a key pathology of aging was established. The clinical practice involves quantifying these specific mediators to gain a precise, objective measure of the body’s inflammatory load.
Mechanism
Chronic inflammatory baselines are often driven by factors like visceral adiposity, gut dysbiosis, and persistent cellular senescence. Elevated levels of inflammatory cytokines directly interfere with endocrine signaling, particularly by inducing insulin resistance and suppressing the hypothalamic-pituitary axes. Therapeutic efforts focus on lowering this baseline to protect target tissues and restore optimal hormonal sensitivity.
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