Seninflammation

Seninflammation is a term that appears in some medical and public science discussions to describe a chronic inflammatory state associated with cellular senescence. It is not universally adopted as a formal medical diagnosis, and the term is often used in the context of inflammaging and the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP).

Biological basis: Senescent cells stop dividing and secrete SASP factors, including pro-inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and matrix-remodeling enzymes. Accumulation of senescent cells with age, reduced immune clearance, metabolic stress, and environmental factors contribute to persistent low-grade inflammation termed seninflammation.

Clinical relevance: While not a disease on its own, seninflammation is thought to contribute to the development and progression of age-related conditions such as atherosclerosis, insulin resistance, and neurodegenerative disorders. It may modify disease risk and treatment responses in older adults.

Assessment: There is no standardized clinical test for seninflammation. Researchers measure inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein (CRP), IL-6, and TNF-α, and may assess senescence biomarkers in tissues (e.g., p16INK4a, SA-β-gal) in research settings. Diagnostic approaches often focus on overall inflammatory burden and aging status rather than a single syndrome.

Management and research: No approved therapy targets seninflammation specifically, but strategies under investigation include senolytics to reduce senescent cell burden and anti-inflammatory approaches to dampen SASP. Lifestyle interventions (regular exercise, calorie balance) and management of comorbidities are commonly recommended. Ongoing studies aim to clarify terminology, improve biomarkers, and determine clinical benefits of targeting senescence-related inflammation.

See also: inflammaging, cellular senescence, SASP, aging-related inflammation.