2009 January ; 8(1): 18–30. doi:10.1016/j.arr.2008.07.002 | Hae Young Chung, Matteo Cesari, Stephen Anton, Emanuele Marzetti, Silvia Giovannini, Arnold Young Seo, Christy Carter, Byung Pal Yu, and Christiaan Leeuwenburgh
This review discusses the role of molecular inflammation in aging and age-related diseases. It highlights how low-grade, unresolved inflammation is a key mechanism linking normal aging to pathological processes. The review covers the accumulation of pro-inflammatory mediators (e.g., TNF-α, IL-1β, COX-2, iNOS) due to age-related redox imbalances, which activate various inflammatory signaling pathways, including the NF-κB pathway. The anti-inflammatory effects of calorie restriction (CR) and physical exercise are also discussed, emphasizing their ability to maintain redox balance and suppress pro-inflammatory responses. The review further explores the oxidative stress-induced redox imbalance as a major factor in systemic inflammation and its role in age-related diseases such as obesity, sarcopenia, dementia, atherosclerosis, cancer, and osteoporosis. Finally, it suggests that interventions targeting chronic inflammation may promote healthy longevity by reducing age-related diseases.This review discusses the role of molecular inflammation in aging and age-related diseases. It highlights how low-grade, unresolved inflammation is a key mechanism linking normal aging to pathological processes. The review covers the accumulation of pro-inflammatory mediators (e.g., TNF-α, IL-1β, COX-2, iNOS) due to age-related redox imbalances, which activate various inflammatory signaling pathways, including the NF-κB pathway. The anti-inflammatory effects of calorie restriction (CR) and physical exercise are also discussed, emphasizing their ability to maintain redox balance and suppress pro-inflammatory responses. The review further explores the oxidative stress-induced redox imbalance as a major factor in systemic inflammation and its role in age-related diseases such as obesity, sarcopenia, dementia, atherosclerosis, cancer, and osteoporosis. Finally, it suggests that interventions targeting chronic inflammation may promote healthy longevity by reducing age-related diseases.