‘Inflammaging’ and Its Impact on Oral Health
A recent article in the Wall Street Journal discussed the concept of “inflammaging,“ which was defined as “a combination of inflammation and aging.”1 The term describes chronic inflammation created by the immune system in response to a number of perceived threats that increases with age. The article discusses the fact that inflammaging has been associated with an increased risk of heart attack, cancer, Alzheimer disease, and other problems related to inflammation.
Acute inflammation is an appropriate response that increases the body’s ability to heal a wound or to fight microbial or viral invaders. Ideally, this response results in resolution of the problem followed by a cessation of the acute inflammatory response. Unfortunately, the process does not always turn off and can become chronic, which often leads to destruction of critical tissues. According to the article, chronic inflammation increases as people age but the response is specific to the individual.1 Luigi Ferrucci, MD, PhD, a geriatrician at the National Institute on Aging notes that the process is a vicious cycle with inflammation damaging tissue and the damaged tissue causing more inflammation.
Higher levels of inflammation have been linked to an increased risk of death from any cause. In a study by Ridker et al,2 the health outcomes of 160,000 patients who had their levels of inflammation assessed were followed for 30 years. Those with the lowest levels of inflammation had a lower risk of death from all causes compared to those with higher levels. Specifically, those women with high levels had a 70% greater risk of heart attack, stroke, or death from a cardiovascular event than those with low levels.
Blood tests are available that can assess the levels of chronic inflammation. They include high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate and ferritin. Unfortunately, these tests do not indicate the source of the inflammation.
There are two major pathways to reducing chronic inflammation. One approach is to use drugs, including colchicine and GLP-1s, that can lower inflammatory markers. However, at present the most predictable way to reduce inflammaging is to exercise, not smoke, maintain a healthy weight, eat healthy food, and get adequate sleep. So far we have no miracle drug to reduce inflammation that works with minimal side effects. Progress is being made, but for now a healthy lifestyle seems to be the order of the day.
References
- Janin A, McKay B. Inflamming is chronic, stealthy and can be a serious threat to your health.Wall Street Journal. October 9, 2024.
- Ridker PM, Moorthy MV, Cook NR, Rifai N, Lee IM, Buring JE. Inflammation, cholesterol, lipoprotein(a), and 30-year cardiovascular outcomes in women. N Engl J Med. 2024;391:2087-2097.
From Decisions in Dentistry. January/February 2025;11(1):6.
