inflammaging

The term "inflammaging” was first mentioned by Claudio Franceschi in 2000, a scientist specializing in the study of aging and in particular the link between the immune system and the aging process.

Inflammaging describes a chronic, low-grade inflammatory reaction that occurs during the aging process. This inflammation is often not directly recognizable clinically and is caused by an imbalanced regulation of the immune system. Inflammaging is typically recognized by increased concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the blood of older people. Cytokines, such as IL-1, IL-6 and TNF-α, are signaling substances with which our immune system communicates and thus causes inflammation.

Tired immune cells – why our defenses weaken with age

Our immune system therefore contributes on the one hand through the increased production of inflammatory molecules for inflammaging in. In addition, a Imbalance between the two arms of the human immune system. While our innate immune system functions relatively well even in old age, shows the adaptive Immune system, which is responsible for more specific immune responses, significant functional limitations. This dysfunction of the adaptive immune system is closely related to the concept of Immunosenescence, i.e. the age-related loss of performance of the immune system.

Immunosenescence refers to the age-related decline in the function and regulated responses of T and B lymphocytes to chronic stress, such as pathogens. In simpler terms, your T and B cells are part of your adaptive immune system. The B cells can produce antibodies, for example, with which pathogens such as viruses are identified. This enables your body to effectively fight intruders. Unfortunately, this does not work so well as we age, as we on the one hand produce fewer antibodies and on the other hand our effective killer cells are tired of fightingThis results in a reduced ability of the body to respond effectively to infections and other immune challenges.

Inflammaging and immunosenescence are therefore two closely related phenomena, which together represent the aging process of the immune system. While inflammaging refers to the chronic inflammatory response, Immunosenescence describes the general decline in immune function in old ageBoth processes influence each other and contribute to the challenges of ageing.

Does inflammaging promote the development of age-related diseases?

It was previously believed that inflammaging was a major cause of many chronic diseases that affect older people.

The concept has led to a better understanding of ageing processes, especially with regard to Geroscience, a field of research that studies the relationship between aging and disease. Geroscience shows that aging itself is an important factor in many diseases.

Inflammaging is associated with a number of diseases such as cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative disorders, respiratory diseases and cancerThese diseases often develop over a long period of time and begin with inflammatory processes in the body.

Although inflammaging is often considered an indicator of health problems, it is still unclear how exactly it contributes to disease and whether there is an optimal level of inflammaging that is neither too high nor too low.

Is inflammaging always bad?

Inflammaging is not necessarily always bad. While it is often associated with negative aspects of aging and the development of age-related diseases, the overall picture is more complex.

Inflammaging is part of the natural aging process and plays a role in the body’s immune response. A low-grade, chronic inflammatory response can even have a protective effect in certain situationsFor example, it can help fight off pathogens and repair damaged cells. In this sense, inflammaging can be considered a necessary mechanism for maintaining health in old age.

Jedoch, if these inflammatory reactions are too strong or too long-lasting, they can lead to various health problems, including the age-related diseases mentioned above. In such cases, inflammaging is considered a contributing factor to the disease process.

Interestingly, some studies show that in individuals who reach very old age (such as centenarians), inflammaging may be present in a way that is interpreted as protective. Centenarians often show signs of systemic inflammation (e.g. high plasma levels of IL-6 and IL-8) and a reduced antioxidant defenseYet these exceptional individuals avoid or delay the onset of chronic age-related diseases such as type II diabetes or cardiovascular disease.

This suggests that the relationship between inflammaging and health in old age is complex and may depend on individual differences in immune regulation and other factors.

How is inflammaging measured?

The progress of inflammatory aging is mainly due to the Measurement of biomarkers in the blood that indicate inflammatory processes in the body. These biomarkers mainly include proinflammatory cytokines, acute phase proteins and other inflammatory mediators. Here are some of the most common methods and markers for measuring inflammaging:

• Proinflammatory cytokines: These include interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β). Elevated levels of these cytokines in the blood are common indicators of inflammaging.
• C-reactive protein (CRP): CRP is an acute-phase protein produced in the liver, and its levels in the blood increase during inflammation. It is a general marker of inflammation and is often used to assess the extent of inflammaging.
• Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR): This measurement indicates how quickly red blood cells in a sample decrease within a certain period of time. An increased ESR can be an indication of inflammatory processes in the body.
• Fibrinogen: This is another protein that can be elevated in inflammation and is used as a marker for inflammaging.
• Cellular senescence markers: Certain changes in cells that indicate Senescence (the process of biological aging at the cellular level) can also be used as indicators of inflammaging. These include Changes in telomere length, the Activity of senescence-associated β-galactosidase and the expression of certain genes.
• Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs): AGEs are compounds that are formed by the reaction of proteins or lipids with sugar and can increase during the aging process. They are associated with inflammaging. Here you can find out more about the topic AGEs.

The Measurement of inflammaging often involves a combination of multiple biomarkers and clinical assessmentsto get a comprehensive picture of a person's inflammatory status.

Furthermore, the progression of inflammaging may vary from person to person depending on genetic factors, lifestyle, existing diseases and other individual differences.

Can inflammaging be slowed down?

In order to answer this question thoroughly, qualitative long-term studies are needed, which are not yet available. It is a complex process that is measured using many different parameters. In addition, there are large individual differences in terms of aging and inflammatory processes in the body. This makes it difficult to design targeted studies that cover all relevant aspects.

To counteract the effects of To counteract inflammaging, various strategies could be pursued, based on lifestyle changes, diet, physical activity and, where appropriate, medical interventions. Here are some practical approaches that can help:

Inflammaging diet – Mediterranean and not too much

A 2022 review examined how inflammation in old age can be influenced by diet.

The researchers investigated how certain types of diet, such as Mediterranean diet, and also fasting (calorie reduction) can helpto reduce these inflammations. They found that a healthy diet, especially the Mediterranean diet, which can lower inflammatory markersThis means that foods like whole grains, vegetables, olive oil, fruits, and nuts are good for reducing this type of inflammation.

Another interesting point of the study is that the Bacteria in the intestine (the microbiome) play an important role. If the balance of these bacteria is disturbed, it can lead to poorer health and well-being in old age. Some researchers believe that by changing the bacteria in the gut, some diseases could be alleviated.

In addition, the researchers found that a Calorie restriction both reduces inflammation and activates certain longevity pathways. These include the Sirtuins, which are activated by fasting. 

Research is currently being conducted to determine whether medications can be developed that have the same positive effects as fasting. Such fasting mimetics make the body believe that there is a nutrient deficiency even though none is present. This is also the basis for the research of Valter longo.

Exercise – the secret miracle pill

A 2023 review examined how different types of exerciseas Endurance training, strength training and a combination of both (concentrated training) on ​​inflammatory markers in the body of overweight people with heart failure.

Researchers have analyzed many studies to see if these types of exercise can reduce inflammatory markers such as TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1-beta, IL-8, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP). As mentioned, these markers are part of what we call inflammaging, the increasing inflammation in the body that is associated with the aging process.

The results show that Exercise training can significantly reduce inflammatory markers such as IL-6 and hs-CRP in people with heart failureWhat is particularly interesting is that specific types of training were particularly effective in certain groups of people. For example, concentrated training in middle-aged people and high-intensity training led to a greater reduction in TNF-α. Similar results were also found for IL-6 and hs-CRP, although moderate training and different age groups (middle-aged and older) also showed positive effects.

Overall, the results confirm that Endurance training and focused exercise can help improve inflammatory markers. This positive effect of exercise on inflammatory markers has been observed across different age groups, exercise intensities, exercise durations and different forms of heart failure.

coping with stress

Chronic stress can worsen inflammatory processes in the body. Here are proven techniques that have been proven to help reduce stress:

• Hobbies and creative activities: Activities that bring joy and promote creativity can help relieve stress.
• Deep breathing exercises: Slow, deep breathing can help calm the body and relax the mind.
• Progressive Muscle Relaxation: In doing so, you specifically tense and then relax different muscle groups to reduce physical tension.
• Walks in nature: Spending time in nature, especially walks through the forest, can reduce stress and improve mood.
• Mindfulness training: Mindfulness helps you stay in the present moment and not be overwhelmed by stressful thoughts.
• Social interaction: Spending time with friends and family can be supportive and reduce stress.

Senescence – keeping the zombie cells in check

If you are wondering what Senescence means, then read our article about the Senescence and the zombie cells. Here we have researched everything for you. In short, senescent cells are in a kind of "zombie mode". No longer alive, but not yet dead. The science surrounding this type of cell is still quite new, but it has been discovered that these cells have a release a chemical cocktail of messenger substances that contribute to inflammaging.

So what can we do about it? secondary plant substances such as quercetin from the peel of apples, seem to help the body find and eliminate these undead cells. Therefore, these molecules are also Senolytics mentioned.

Conclusion

Chronic inflammation in old age, the Inflammaging, is still a young field of research. Our immune system becomes weaker as we age and inflammatory messengers can contribute to typical age-related diseases becoming more pronounced. Through the combination of exercise, nutrition, stress reduction and fasting (mimetics) we can reduce inflammaging.