New research shows that long-term, low-grade inflammation in the body contributes to the accelerated ageing of our cells. This phenomenon, also known as inflammaging, often occurs without clear symptoms of illness, yet plays an important role in the ageing process. Scientists linked inflammaging to changes in the genes that determine how cells function. These changes are called epigenetic ageing and can increase the risk of age-related diseases.
In the study, four well-known methods were used to measure epigenetic ageing. This showed that certain inflammatory substances in the blood, such as CXCL9, cause cells to age faster. People with higher levels of these proteins were epigenetically older than their chronological age. This association was strong and was also seen with other inflammatory factors often present in ageing.
The researchers also studied how these inflammatory factors relate to issues such as multimorbidity, where multiple diseases occur simultaneously. They discovered that higher inflammation is often associated with poorer health and a higher epigenetic age. Notably, these effects were approximately the same in men and women.
Furthermore, the cells of people with an elevated epigenetic age were less effective at fighting off actual pathogens. This may contribute to the vulnerability older people experience with infections. Although this study mainly demonstrates correlations, further research is needed to understand how inflammatory factors precisely influence the ageing process.
These findings underline the importance of reducing chronic inflammation for healthy ageing. By limiting inflammation, we may be able to slow down cellular decline and thus remain healthy for longer.
Source: Josh Conway
