Inflammation Patterns in Aging Differ by Population, Study Finds

research has unveiled significant variations in inflammation patterns associated with aging across different populations, a phenomenon termed "inflammaging." A study conducted by Cohen highlights that the relationship between age and inflammation is not universally applicable. Utilizing datasets from various regions, the study indicates that individuals in non-industrialized societies exhibit lower levels of chronic inflammation compared to their counterparts in industrialized nations . This finding challenges the prevailing notion that inflammaging serves as a universal marker for age-related diseases.

Reducing inflammation has become all the rage lately, with many medical experts pointing to anti-inflammatory diets and other lifestyle changes as ways people can reduce their risk of chronic disease as they age. But a new study suggests that inflammation’s effects on health are more complex than scientists previously understood. 

inflammaging — than their counterparts in industrialized societies. Inflammaging is considered a hallmark of aging and has been believed to be a one-size-fits-all predictor of chronic age-related disease such as heart problems and diabetes.

Researchers analyzed data from four populations: two industrialized groups—the Italian InCHIANTI study and the Singapore Longitudinal Aging Study (SLAS)—and two Indigenous, non-industrialized populations—the Tsimane of the Bolivian Amazon and the Orang Asli of Peninsular Malaysia. While the inflammaging signature was similar between the two industrialized populations, it did not hold in the Indigenous groups, where inflammation levels were largely driven by infection rather than age.

Tsimane and Orang Asli, whose immune systems were shaped by persistent infections and distinct environmental exposures.

Furthermore, McDade argues against the assumption that chronic inflammation is an inevitable consequence of aging. His research suggests that early-life environments significantly shape inflammatory responses later in life. This evidence underscores the importance of considering socio-cultural factors when examining health outcomes related to aging. The disparities observed in inflammation patterns call for a reevaluation of public health strategies aimed at mitigating age-related diseases across diverse populations.

Read more

Sara H

Also on site :

• Senate Holds Overnight Session as Deliberations Continue on Trump’s Sweeping Legislative Package
• Trump Targets Musk Over Government Support for EV Industry
• EV Subsidy Showdown: Trump Publicly Opposes Musk’s Industry Advantages