Inflammaging
Overview
Inflammaging is a term that was coined to describe a phenomenon where the inflammatory response is not completely turned off, leading to low-level, chronic inflammation. This type of inflammation is often associated with aging and is thought to contribute to the development of age-related diseases such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer, and Alzheimer's disease.
Mechanism of Inflammaging
The exact mechanism of inflammaging is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve a number of factors. One of these is the accumulation of senescent cells, which are cells that have lost their ability to divide but remain metabolically active. These cells produce a variety of pro-inflammatory substances, contributing to the chronic inflammatory state.
Another factor is the dysregulation of the immune system. As we age, the immune system becomes less effective at fighting off infections and more prone to overreacting, leading to increased inflammation. This is thought to be due, in part, to changes in the thymus, an organ that produces T cells, a type of white blood cell that plays a key role in the immune response.
In addition, the gut microbiota, the community of microorganisms that live in our intestines, also changes with age. Some of these changes can lead to an increase in the production of pro-inflammatory substances, further contributing to inflammaging.
Consequences of Inflammaging
Inflammaging is thought to play a role in the development of a number of age-related diseases. For example, chronic inflammation can damage the blood vessels, leading to cardiovascular disease. It can also lead to insulin resistance, a key factor in the development of type 2 diabetes.
In addition, inflammaging is believed to contribute to the development of cancer. Chronic inflammation can lead to DNA damage, which can result in the formation of cancer cells. Furthermore, the pro-inflammatory substances produced by senescent cells can promote the growth and spread of cancer cells.
Finally, inflammaging is also thought to play a role in the development of Alzheimer's disease. Chronic inflammation in the brain can lead to the accumulation of amyloid beta, a protein that forms plaques in the brains of people with Alzheimer's disease.
Management of Inflammaging
While it is not currently possible to completely prevent inflammaging, there are several strategies that can help to manage it. These include maintaining a healthy lifestyle, such as eating a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
In addition, certain medications can help to reduce inflammation. For example, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help to reduce the production of pro-inflammatory substances. However, these drugs can have side effects and should be used under the supervision of a healthcare provider.
Finally, research is ongoing into the development of therapies that can target the underlying causes of inflammaging, such as the accumulation of senescent cells. For example, drugs that can selectively kill senescent cells, known as senolytics, are currently being investigated.