Inflammageing is characterised by persistently elevated inflammatory cytokines (CRP, IL-6, TNF-alpha) without an infectious trigger. High-sensitivity CRP below 1 mg/L is the low-risk target; 1–3 mg/L is intermediate risk; above 3 mg/L is high risk independent of LDL cholesterol for cardiovascular events. These markers should be part of any comprehensive preventive health screen from age 40.
Sources of Inflammageing
- Senescent cells — aged cells that stop dividing but continue secreting inflammatory signals (SASP)
- Gut dysbiosis and increased intestinal permeability — bacterial LPS entering circulation
- Adipose tissue inflammation — particularly from visceral fat-resident macrophages
- Mitochondrial dysfunction — damaged mitochondria release mtDNA fragments that activate innate immune responses
- Chronic psychological stress — through persistent HPA and sympathetic nervous system activation
inflammationinflammageinglongevitychronic diseaseanti-inflammatoryageing