Inflammation, Metabolic Dysfunction and Biological Aging: The Relevance of Exploring Laboratory Biomarkers

Abstract

Aging is a multifaceted physiological process characterised by gradual decline in cellular, metabolic, inflammatory and overall physiological functions. Chronological age is an imperfect indicator of the body’s functional state since individuals of the same age can demonstrate a wide spectrum of physiological capabilities and predispositions towards disease. It is now postulated that low-grade inflammation, metabolic dysfunction, insulin resistance, lipid abnormalities and other age-associated disruptions are closely linked to the phenomenon of biological aging. Laboratory inflammatory and metabolic biomarkers can help evaluate such alterations for the early detection of disease. Traditional biomarkers include C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, tumour necrosis factor-alpha, fasting glucose, insulin, glycated haemoglobin, lipids and adipokines, whereas novel approaches concern telomere biology, epigenetics, proteomics and metabolomics. At the same time, no specific laboratory abnormality can fully represent the complex nature of biological aging. A comprehensive assessment of inflammatory and metabolic biomarkers, along with other relevant parameters, may offer valuable insights into biological age and mechanisms of healthy aging. This article aims to discuss the interrelationships between inflammation, metabolic dysfunction and biological aging, as well as the relevance, opportunities and limitations of laboratory biomarkers for studying healthy longevity