Inflammageing, a targetable pathway for preventing cardiovascular diseases

Abstract

Inflammageing, characterized by persistent chronic inflammation in older adults, has emerged as a critical factor linked to age-related diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), metabolic disorders, and cognitive decline, which collectively contribute to the leading causes of death globally. Elevated levels of cytokines, chemokines, and other inflammatory mediators characterize inflammageing and serve as indicators of biological age. Among the causes of inflammageing, deterioration of the immune system, mitochondrial dysfunction, dysbiosis, accumulation of DAMPs, together with genetic or epigenetic factors, contribute to inflammageing not only in CVD but also in other age-related conditions. This review examines the causes and consequences of inflammageing, particularly its implications for atherosclerosis and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction and explores potential strategies to mitigate it in the onset of CVD.