The role of nutrition in inflammaging

Paolo Di Giosia; Cosimo Andrea Stamerra; Paolo Giorgini; Tannaz Jamialahamdi; Alexandra E Butler; Amirhossein Sahebkar

doi:10.1016/j.arr.2022.101596

The role of nutrition in inflammaging

Ageing Res Rev. 2022 May:77:101596. doi: 10.1016/j.arr.2022.101596. Epub 2022 Feb 24.

Authors

Paolo Di Giosia¹, Cosimo Andrea Stamerra¹, Paolo Giorgini², Tannaz Jamialahamdi³, Alexandra E Butler⁴, Amirhossein Sahebkar⁵

Affiliations

¹ University of L'Aquila, Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, Building Delta 6 San Salvatore Hospital, Via Vetoio, Coppito, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy; Department of Internal Medicine-Mazzoni Hospital, Ascoli Piceno, Italy.
² University of L'Aquila, Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, Building Delta 6 San Salvatore Hospital, Via Vetoio, Coppito, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy.
³ Surgical Oncology Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
⁴ Research Department, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Bahrain, Adliya, Bahrain.
⁵ Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; School of Medicine, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia; Department of Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.

PMID: 35219904
DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2022.101596

Abstract

Background: Old age is characterized by a peculiar low-grade, chronic, and "sterile" inflammatory state, which has been termed "inflammaging." This is believed to substantially contribute to the pathogenesis of many age-related diseases and to the progression of the ageing process. An adequate nutritional status is of great importance for maintaining proper immune system functionality and preventing frailty in the elderly.

Methods: The purpose of this narrative review is to synthesize what is known about the interaction between inflammaging and nutrition, focusing on the role of the Mediterranean diet, gut microbiota and calorie restriction (CR) in reducing systemic inflammation and improving clinical outcomes.

Conclusions: Dietary components may affect inflammation directly, counteracting the low grade age-related inflammation. In this regard, healthy diets, including the Mediterranean diet, are associated with lower concentrations of inflammatory mediators, like C-reactive protein (CRP) and Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α), that are hallmarks of inflammaging. Among the components of a healthy diet, a higher intake of whole grains, vegetables and fruits, nuts and fish are all associated with lower inflammation. One area of promising research is the microbiome-ageing interaction. Indeed, dysbiosis plays a role in sub-optimal metabolism, immune function and brain function and contributes to the poor health and impaired well-being associated with ageing. Modulation of the gut microbiota has shown promising results in some disorders. Additionally, the discovery of several molecular pathways associated with ageing, and the characterization of the beneficial effects of calorie restriction (CR) in modulating metabolic pathways and preventing inflammation, should encourage research on CR mimetics, drugs able to promote lifespan and extend healthspan.

Keywords: Caloric restriction; Immunosenescence; Inflammaging; Intermitting fasting; Mediterranean diet; Microbioma; Nutrition.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Aged
Aging / metabolism
Animals
Diet, Mediterranean*
Dysbiosis
Gastrointestinal Microbiome*
Humans
Inflammation / metabolism
Nutritional Status