---
title: "Inflammation Part 2 - The Fire Inside: Inflammaging"
description: "Inflammation the fire inside: Inflammaging| optimaldx.com"
---

[The Optimal DX Research Blog ](https://www.optimaldx.com/research-blog)

# [Inflammation Part 2 - The Fire Inside: Inflammaging](https://www.optimaldx.com/research-blog/inflammation-part-2-inflammaging)

 Written by [ODX Research](https://www.optimaldx.com/research-blog/author/odx-research) | Jan 15, 2021 12:30:00 AM

Welcome to part 2 of the ODX Inflammation Series. In this post, the ODX Research Team reviews an important concept called "inflammaging."

## Inflammation and aging combine to create “inflammaging.”

### Dicken Weatherby, N.D. and Beth Ellen DiLuglio, MS, RDN, LDN

#### The ODX Inflammation Series

1. [Inflammation Part 1 - The Fire Inside - Overview](https://www.optimaldx.com/research-blog/inflammation-part-1)
2. [Inflammation Part 2 - The Fire Inside - "Inflammaging"](https://www.optimaldx.com/research-blog/inflammation-part-2-inflammaging)
3. [Inflammation Part 3 - A Focus on Cytokines](https://www.optimaldx.com/research-blog/inflammation-cytokines-part-1)
4. [Inflammation Part 4 - Cytokines & Their Functions](https://www.optimaldx.com/research-blog/inflammation-cytokines-part-2)
5. [Inflammation Part 5 - The Cytokine Storm](https://www.optimaldx.com/research-blog/inflammation-cytokines-part-3)
6. [Inflammation Part 6 - Cytokine Biomarkers](https://www.optimaldx.com/research-blog/inflammation-cytokines-part-4)
7. [Inflammation Part 7 - Establishing Cytokine Ranges](https://www.optimaldx.com/research-blog/inflammation-cytokines-part-5)
8. [Inflammation Part 8 - Interleukin 6](https://www.optimaldx.com/research-blog/inflammation-interleukin-6-and-10-part-1)
9. [Inflammation Part 9 - Interleukin 10](https://www.optimaldx.com/research-blog/inflammation-interleukin-6-and-10-part-2)
10. [Inflammation Part 10 - The IL-6 : IL-10 Ratio](https://www.optimaldx.com/research-blog/inflammation-interleukin-6-and-10-part-3)
11. [Inflammation Part 11 - Resolution & Intervention](https://www.optimaldx.com/research-blog/inflammation-resolution-intervention)

Aging has been associated with a perpetual inflammatory cascade that involves IL-1alpha, IL-6, and NF-kappa B. Inflammaging refers to chronic low-grade systemic inflammation associated with aging but not caused by an infectious agent.

This age-related cytokine dysregulation can contribute to chronic diseases such as Alzheimer’s, atherosclerosis, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, etc. [1]

### Sources of inflammaging include:[**[2]**](https://www.optimaldx.com/research-blog/inflammation-part-2-inflammaging?hs_amp=true#_edn2)

- Buildup of cellular debris
- Microbial byproducts and toxins, especially translocation from the gut or oral cavity
- Mitochondrial activation of the Nlrp3 inflammasome
- Cellular senescence
- Immunosenescence with decreased adaptive immunity and increased innate immunity
- Increased activation of coagulation
- Impaired regulation of the complement pathway
- Note there is a paradox for individuals over the age of 100 (centenarians) who appear to adapt to higher plasma IL-6 and IL-8, hypercoagulability, and decreased antioxidant status without the development of chronic diseases such as diabetes, cancer, and CVD, possibility because of adequate anti-inflammatory mechanisms.

### Biomarkers of inflammation **[3]** **[4]** [**[**](https://www.optimaldx.com/research-blog/inflammation-part-2-inflammaging?hs_amp=true#_edn5)**5**[**]**](https://www.optimaldx.com/research-blog/inflammation-part-2-inflammaging?hs_amp=true#_edn5) **[6]**  

| Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) Basophils Ceruloplasmin Cholesterol, total, HDL Eosinophil Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) Hs-CRP IL-1, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-17 Iron Ferritin Fibrinogen | Globulin Haptoglobin Homocysteine IgA, IgE, IgG Insulin LDH Liver enzymes (ALT, AST, GGT, LDH, alkaline phosphatase) Lp-PLA2, Lp-PLA2 activity Neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio Oxidative stress markers (8-OHdG, isoprostanes, malondialdehyde) | Oxidized LDL Platelets PSA RDW Rheumatoid factor Serum amyloid A (SAA) TNF-alpha Triglycerides Uric acid Vitamin D 25-OH White blood cells (elevated) |
| --- | --- | --- |

## Optimal Takeaways

So, our basic takeaways for an overview of inflammation include:

- Inflammation is a defense mechanism triggered by pathogens, toxins, radiation, injury, etc.
- Short-term inflammation is beneficial, while prolonged, chronic inflammation is detrimental.
- Persistent inflammation is associated with many chronic diseases including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, neurodegenerative disease, etc.
- The inflammatory cascade is complex and can become perpetual.
- Several biomarkers reflect an inflammatory state in the body and can be monitored and addressed.
- In this blog series, we will focus on cytokines and inflammation, biomarkers and monitoring, and dietary and lifestyle factors that affect inflammation perpetuation and resolution.

**Next Up:** [Inflammation Part 3 - A Focus on Cytokines ](https://www.optimaldx.com/research-blog/inflammation-cytokines-part-1)

## References

[1] Rea, Irene Maeve et al. “Age and Age-Related Diseases: Role of Inflammation Triggers and Cytokines.” Frontiers in immunology vol. 9 586. 9 Apr. 2018.

[2] Franceschi, Claudio, and Judith Campisi. “Chronic inflammation (inflammaging) and its potential contribution to age-associated diseases.” The journals of gerontology. Series A, Biological sciences and medical sciences vol. 69 Suppl 1 (2014): S4-9. 

[3] Moeller, Mark et al. “Mortality is associated with inflammation, anemia, specific diseases and treatments, and molecular markers.” PloS one vol. 12,4 e0175909. 19 Apr. 2017.

[4] Martínez-Urbistondo D, Beltrán A, Beloqui O, Huerta A. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio as a marker of systemic endothelial dysfunction in asymptomatic subjects. Nefrologia. 2016 Jul-Aug;36(4):397-403. English, Spanish.

[5] Chen, Linlin et al. “Inflammatory responses and inflammation-associated diseases in organs.” Oncotarget vol. 9,6 7204-7218. 14 Dec. 2017.

[6] Mahan, L. Kathleen; Raymond, Janice L. Krause's Food & the Nutrition Care Process - E-Book (Krause's Food & Nutrition Therapy). Elsevier Health Sciences. Kindle Edition.

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