Inflammaging at the Time of COVID-19

Inflammaging and SARS-CoV-2 infection interact in an interplay that involves both acute inflammation and low-grade chronic inflammation, predisposing older adults to severe COVID-19. During the acute phase, the precipitating factor is represented by an aberrant immune response characterized by the overproduction of proinflammatory cytokines. Increased cytokine levels may persist long after viral clearance and are potentially responsible for the installment of low-grade chronic inflammation and long-lasting persistence of COVID-19 symptoms. Therapeutic approaches targeting inflammation have proven to be effective in reducing mortality during an acute COVID-19 episode. However, at the time of writing, no standard treatment is available for the postacute phase. Although further research is needed, lifestyle interventions (physical activity and specific nutritional strategies) can effectively counteract chronic inflammation and may therefore be proposed as strategies to mitigate long-term symptom persistence.

Automated summary

Inflammaging and SARS-CoV-2 infection interact to cause acute and chronic inflammation, making older adults more vulnerable to severe COVID-19. During the acute phase, an abnormal immune response leads to excessive production of proinflammatory cytokines. High levels of cytokines may persist even after viral clearance, resulting in chronic inflammation and long-lasting COVID-19 symptoms. Therapeutic approaches targeting inflammation have been effective in reducing mortality in the acute phase, but there is currently no standard treatment for the postacute phase. Lifestyle interventions, such as physical activity and specific nutritional strategies, may help mitigate long-term symptom persistence.