Abstract
Caloric restriction (CR), in the absence of malnutrition, delays aging and prevents aging-related diseases through multiple mechanisms. A reduction in chronic inflammation is widely observed in experimental models of caloric restriction. The low inflammation status may contribute to the reduced incidence of osteoporosis, Alzheimer's disease, cardiovascular diseases and cancer in the aging subjects. The association of caloric restriction with low inflammation suggests a role of energy accumulation in the origin of the chronic inflammation. This point is enforced by recent advances in obesity research. Abundant literature on obesity suggests that chronic inflammation is a consequence of energy accumulation in the body. The emerging evidence strongly supports that the inflammatory response induces energy expenditure in a feedback manner to fight against energy surplus in obesity. If this feedback system is deficient (Inflammation Resistance), energy expenditure will be reduced and energy accumulation will lead to obesity. In this perspective, we propose that an increase in inflammation in obesity promotes energy expenditure with a goal to get rid of energy surplus. A decrease in inflammation under caloric restriction contributes to energy saving. Inflammation is a mechanism for energy balance in the body. Inflammation resistance will lead to obesity. We will review the recent literature in support of the viewpoints.
Highlights
Caloric restriction (CR) reduces the levels of multiple aspects of inflammation [1,2,3], suggesting a link between energy status and inflammation
Energy accumulation induces chronic inflammation. This view is supported by data from many model systems of CR and obesity
Inflammation may promote energy expenditure in a regulatory-feedback manner to fight against energy surplus (Figure 2)
Summary
Caloric restriction (CR) reduces the levels of multiple aspects of inflammation [1,2,3], suggesting a link between energy status and inflammation. Physical activities consume a major portion of energy in our daily life, which are usually reduced in the aging population. This reduction in energy expenditure may lead to energy accumulation in the body and a gain in adiposity. The systemic inflammation is due to an inflammatory response in adipose tissues that are under quick expansion. We have learned a lot about the signaling pathways that link energy accumulation (adiposity) to chronic inflammation, we know little about the real biological significance of the inflammation. This article addresses this issue, and provides an overview of the interaction of inflammation and energy balance
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