The Chemistry of Inflammageing: Understanding Chronic Inflammation in Ageing

Key Facts

Definition: Persistent, low-grade inflammation that develops with age
Key drivers: Oxidative stress, senescent cells, gut dysbiosis, visceral fat
Inflammatory markers: IL-6, TNF-α, CRP
Associated diseases: Cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, arthritis, neurodegeneration, cancer, metabolic disorders
Brain link: Term 'Type 3 diabetes' used for insulin resistance in Alzheimer's
Author: Kaajal Luckraz, pharmacist, MPharm, King's College London

Background

Inflammageing is a state of persistent, low-grade inflammation that develops with age, according to a recent article by pharmacist Kaajal Luckraz in the Mauritius Times. Unlike acute inflammation that aids healing, inflammageing is subtle, chronic, and destructive, gradually damaging tissues and accelerating biological ageing over decades.

The condition arises from an imbalance between reactive oxygen species (free radicals) and antioxidants in cells. As mitochondria become less efficient with age, oxidative stress increases, leading to damaged proteins, fats, and DNA. This activates inflammatory pathways such as NF-κB, keeping the immune system permanently switched on at a low level, releasing molecules like IL-6, TNF-α, and CRP.

Another driver is the accumulation of senescent cells—cells that stop dividing but refuse to die. They release inflammatory chemicals collectively known as the Senescence-Associated Secretory Phenotype (SASP), spreading inflammation to surrounding healthy cells and accelerating tissue ageing.

Current Situation

Chronic inflammation from inflammageing is linked to cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, arthritis, neurodegeneration, cancer, and metabolic disorders. High levels of pro-inflammatory markers in older individuals predict risks of cardiovascular diseases, frailty, multimorbidity, and decline in physical and cognitive function.

In individuals with obesity, visceral fat produces pro-inflammatory compounds and is infiltrated by macrophages, lymphocytes, and senescent cells, contributing to inflammageing. The gut microbiome also plays a role: age-related dysbiosis can weaken the intestinal barrier, allowing bacterial toxins like lipopolysaccharides (LPS) to enter the bloodstream and trigger inflammation.

Researchers increasingly recognize a link between chronic inflammation, insulin resistance, and brain health, coining the term 'Type 3 diabetes' to describe insulin resistance in Alzheimer's disease. Although not an official diagnosis, evidence suggests impaired insulin signalling in the brain contributes to cognitive decline.

Foods and Supplements for Reducing Inflammation
Category	Examples	Benefits
Foods	Colourful berries	Rich in polyphenols and anthocyanins
Foods	Leafy green vegetables	Provide folate, magnesium, antioxidants
Foods	Extra virgin olive oil	Contains oleocanthal, anti-inflammatory
Foods	Fatty fish (salmon, sardines, mackerel)	Rich in omega-3 fatty acids
Foods	Nuts (walnuts, almonds)	Healthy fats and nutrients
Foods	Beans and lentils	Fibre supports gut bacteria
Foods	Dark chocolate (70% cocoa)	Antioxidants in moderation
Supplements	Omega-3 (EPA/DHA)	Reduce inflammatory cytokine production
Supplements	Vitamin D	Supports immune regulation
Supplements	Magnesium	Over 300 enzymatic reactions
Supplements	Vitamin C and E	Antioxidants protect cells
Supplements	Curcumin	Modulates NF-κB and other pathways

List from the article; not exhaustive.

Impacts

Inflammageing can complicate cardiovascular disease in older individuals by causing an energetic imbalance towards catabolism and interfering with homeostatic signalling, leading to frailty. It also promotes the accumulation of senescent cells, further amplifying the inflammatory cycle.

Excess visceral fat is strongly associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, fatty liver disease, certain cancers, and cognitive decline. It also promotes senescent cell accumulation, worsening inflammation.

The gut microbiome's decline in beneficial bacteria with age can worsen insulin resistance, increase visceral fat deposition, and influence obesity, cardiovascular disease, and neurodegenerative disorders. Beneficial bacteria produce short-chain fatty acids like butyrate, which strengthen the intestinal barrier and suppress inflammation.

Future Outlook

Scenario analysis: The possibilities below are not certain predictions.

Research is exploring senolytics—compounds designed to selectively remove senescent cells—as well as therapies to improve mitochondrial function and reduce chronic inflammation. While many treatments remain under investigation, they represent a frontier in preventive medicine.

Clinical trials suggest that modulating inflammation prevents cardiovascular diseases, but studies on effects on other chronic diseases, frailty, and disability are scarce and controversial. If future research confirms benefits, interventions could extend healthspan—the years lived healthy and independent—not just lifespan.

Lifestyle measures such as daily movement, restorative sleep, stress management, nutritious food, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol, and regular check-ups may reduce inflammageing. If adopted widely, these could help preserve function and quality of life in ageing populations.

Source: mauritiustimes.com

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