Inflammation - The Fire Inside Part 2

Inflammation and aging combine to create “inflammaging.”

Dicken Weatherby, N.D. and Beth Ellen DiLuglio, MS, RDN, LDN

Aging has been associated with a perpetual inflammatory cascade that involves IL-1alpha, IL-6, and NF-kappa B. Inflammaging refers to chronic low-grade systemic inflammation associated with aging but not caused by an infectious agent.

This age-related cytokine dysregulation can contribute to chronic diseases such as Alzheimer’s, atherosclerosis, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, etc. [1]

Sources of inflammaging include:[2]

• Buildup of cellular debris
• Microbial byproducts and toxins, especially translocation from the gut or oral cavity
• Mitochondrial activation of the Nlrp3 inflammasome
• Cellular senescence
• Immunosenescence with decreased adaptive immunity and increased innate immunity
• Increased activation of coagulation
• Impaired regulation of the complement pathway
• Note there is a paradox for individuals over the age of 100 (centenarians) who appear to adapt to higher plasma IL-6 and IL-8, hypercoagulability, and decreased antioxidant status without the development of chronic diseases such as diabetes, cancer, and CVD, possibility because of adequate anti-inflammatory mechanisms.

Biomarkers of inflammation [3] [4] [5] [6]  

Optimal Takeaways

So, our basic takeaways for an overview of inflammation include:

• Inflammation is a defense mechanism triggered by pathogens, toxins, radiation, injury, etc.
• Short-term inflammation is beneficial, while prolonged, chronic inflammation is detrimental.
• Persistent inflammation is associated with many chronic diseases including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, neurodegenerative disease, etc.
• The inflammatory cascade is complex and can become perpetual.
• Several biomarkers reflect an inflammatory state in the body and can be monitored and addressed.
• In this blog series, we will focus on cytokines and inflammation, biomarkers and monitoring, and dietary and lifestyle factors that affect inflammation perpetuation and resolution.

References

[1] Rea, Irene Maeve et al. “Age and Age-Related Diseases: Role of Inflammation Triggers and Cytokines.” Frontiers in immunology vol. 9 586. 9 Apr. 2018.

[2] Franceschi, Claudio, and Judith Campisi. “Chronic inflammation (inflammaging) and its potential contribution to age-associated diseases.” The journals of gerontology. Series A, Biological sciences and medical sciences vol. 69 Suppl 1 (2014): S4-9. 

[3] Moeller, Mark et al. “Mortality is associated with inflammation, anemia, specific diseases and treatments, and molecular markers.” PloS one vol. 12,4 e0175909. 19 Apr. 2017.

[4] Martínez-Urbistondo D, Beltrán A, Beloqui O, Huerta A. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio as a marker of systemic endothelial dysfunction in asymptomatic subjects. Nefrologia. 2016 Jul-Aug;36(4):397-403. English, Spanish.

[5] Chen, Linlin et al. “Inflammatory responses and inflammation-associated diseases in organs.” Oncotarget vol. 9,6 7204-7218. 14 Dec. 2017.

[6] Mahan, L. Kathleen; Raymond, Janice L. Krause's Food & the Nutrition Care Process - E-Book (Krause's Food & Nutrition Therapy). Elsevier Health Sciences. Kindle Edition.