Inflammaging

Original Editor - Lucinda hampton

Top Contributors - Lucinda hampton and Tolulope Adeniji  

Introduction

Old age is typified by an atypical low-grade, chronic, and "sterile" inflammatory state, now termed as "inflammaging." These changes are associated with a loss of physical and immune resilience, amplifying the risk of being malnourished and frail and significantly contributes to the pathogenesis of many age-related diseases and to the progression of the ageing process.

This 2 minute video gives a simple introduction to the topic.

The Role Diet Plays

The kind of diet adhered to affects inflammation directly. Healthy diets that include a higher intake of whole grains, vegetables and fruits, nuts and fish appear to counteract the low grade age-related inflammation, for example the Mediterranean diet. Such diets are associated with lower concentrations of inflammatory mediators, like C-reactive protein (CRP) and Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α), that are hallmarks of inflammaging.

An emerging area of research is the microbiome-ageing interaction. Studies show dysbiosis plays a role in sub-optimal metabolism, immune function and brain function, which all contribute to the poor health and impaired well-being associated with ageing. Modulation of the gut microbiota is showing promising results in some disorders.

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