Chronic Inflammation Aging

Overview

Chronic inflammation aging, also known as inflammaging, is a key feature of the aging process, characterised by persistent low-grade inflammation that contributes to age-related decline in immune function and overall health. This phenomenon is driven by various mechanisms and is closely linked to the concept of immunosenescence, the progressive deterioration of the immune system with age.

Mechanisms of Chronic Inflammation Aging

Inflammaging: A form of chronic systemic inflammation, inflammaging impairs immune function and is associated with increased levels of pro-inflammatory biomarkers such as IL-6, CRP, and TNF-α.

Thymic Involution: This process reduces the immune system's ability to respond to new antigens, impairing the production of new T cells and shifting the balance toward memory T cells.

Cellular Changes: Metabolic adaptations, haematopoietic modifications, and altered intercellular communication disrupt immune coordination, contributing to chronic inflammation.

Stem Cell Exhaustion: The depletion of stem cells hinders tissue regeneration and immune cell development, exacerbating inflammatory processes.

Genomic Instability and Epigenetic Alterations: Accumulation of DNA damage and changes in gene expression patterns affect immune cell function and development, contributing to chronic inflammation.

Gut Microbiome Changes: The gut microbiome undergoes significant changes with age, characterised by a decrease in beneficial bacteria and an increase in pro-inflammatory species. These changes disrupt the gut-brain axis and contribute to chronic inflammation.

Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Circadian Rhythm Disruptions: Impaired mitochondrial function and disturbances to daily cycles impact immune cell activation and proliferation, further contributing to chronic inflammation.

Implications and Interventions

Association with Frailty: Studies have identified IL-6 and CRP as biomarkers most consistently associated with frailty, highlighting the role of chronic inflammation in age-related decline.

Microbiome-Based Interventions: Dietary interventions, probiotics, prebiotics, postbiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) have shown promise in promoting healthy aging and mitigating age-related cognitive decline by modulating the gut microbiome.

Senolytics and Epigenetic Reprogramming: Senolytics, drugs that target and eliminate senescent cells, and epigenetic reprogramming strategies offer potential avenues for addressing chronic inflammation and improving healthspan.

Biological Age Testing: Biological age testing provides a method for assessing physiological age and predicting mortality, offering insights into the impact of chronic inflammation on aging.

Conclusion

Chronic inflammation aging is a multifaceted process involving interconnected mechanisms that contribute to the decline of the immune system with age. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for developing interventions to enhance immunological function and promote healthy aging. Ongoing research in fields such as microbiome science, geroscience, and epigenetics holds promise for addressing the complex challenges posed by chronic inflammation aging.