Inflammation

What it is

Inflammation is the immune system's response to injury or infection; when it persists at a low level for years it is linked to heart disease, diabetes, dementia and ageing itself, sometimes called 'inflammaging'. The clearest evidence comes from heart trials of anti-inflammatory drugs such as colchicine and canakinumab, with mixed results. The word is also used loosely in wellness marketing for diets, supplements and routines, where the measurable effect on inflammation markers is usually small or untested.

This week · ZEUS, a large trial of the anti-IL-6 antibody ziltivekimab, cut inflammation markers but not heart attacks or strokes, a setback for the inflammation hypothesis.

Written by the Alivewire editors from the coverage below, 3d ago. Not medical advice; how the ratings work.