Inflammaging: Immune-Metabolic Crosstalk Between the Prostate-Testis and Musculoskeletal System
Sabrina Bossio1, Daniele La Russa2, Vittoria Rago3
1Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|May 4, 2026
Summary
Male reproductive aging involves inflammaging affecting urogenital tissues and skeletal muscle. Oxidative stress links these, suggesting lifestyle interventions may target inflammaging for precision medicine.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Reproductive Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Male reproductive aging is a systemic process driven by inflammaging.
- Key mechanisms include immune-metabolic changes, NLRP3 inflammasome activation, and epigenetic remodeling.
- Current research often investigates these factors independently, limiting integrative human models.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose a conceptual framework linking prostate, testis, and skeletal muscle aging.
- To identify oxidative stress as a potential mediator of systemic dysregulation.
- To explore lifestyle and metabolic interventions as modulators of inflammaging.
Main Methods:
- Conceptual framework development.
- Literature review of experimental and clinical studies.
- Analysis of immune-metabolic alterations and epigenetic remodeling in aging.
Main Results:
- A framework is proposed where oxidative stress amplifies systemic dysregulation across urogenital tissues and skeletal muscle.
- Inflammaging is identified as a central driver of age-related dysfunction.
- Lifestyle interventions like caloric restriction and exercise show potential.
Conclusions:
- Integrative models are needed to understand male reproductive aging.
- Oxidative stress plays a crucial role in mediating systemic aging processes.
- Targeting inflammaging pathways via lifestyle interventions offers potential for precision medicine in aging males.
Related Concept Videos
01:12Chronic Inflammation: Introduction
41
Chronic inflammation is a prolonged, dysregulated immune response that persists for weeks to years when the inciting stimulus is difficult to eradicate or when self‑antigens drive ongoing reactivity. Morphologically, it is defined by mononuclear cell infiltration, progressive tissue destruction, and concurrent attempts at healing via angiogenesis and fibrosis. Compared with acute inflammation, edema is less prominent while cellular infiltration predominates; triggers include persistent...
41
01:28Inflammatory Response
12.5K
An inflammatory response is a localized, nonspecific immune reaction that occurs when a tissue is injured. It is characterized by redness, swelling, heat, and pain, which are commonly called the cardinal signs and symptoms of inflammation. Inflammation can sometimes result in a loss of function.
Inflammation can be triggered by various stimuli, such as impact, abrasion, chemical irritation, infections, and extreme hot or cold temperatures. These can damage cells and connective tissue fibers,...
Inflammation can be triggered by various stimuli, such as impact, abrasion, chemical irritation, infections, and extreme hot or cold temperatures. These can damage cells and connective tissue fibers,...
12.5K
01:30Inflammatory Response I: Vascular and Cellular
15.8K
The inflammatory response is the body's defense against infection, injury, or irritation from bacteria, trauma, toxins, or heat. Inflammation helps locate and destroy pathogens and remove damaged tissue elements to heal the body. During this initial phase, fluid, blood products, and nutrients migrate to the injured area, resulting in redness, heat, swelling, ache, and loss of function. Moreover, signs of systemic inflammation include fever, increased WBC count, malaise, anorexia, nausea,...
15.8K
01:38Inflammation
46.6K
Overview
46.6K
01:20Disorders of the Male Reproductive System
5.2K
Men's health issues are increasingly recognized as significant, with several conditions posing common threats. Among these, testicular cancer is especially prevalent in younger men, particularly those aged 20 to 35 years. The disease often manifests as a painless mass in the testicles, sometimes accompanied by a sensation of heaviness or a dull ache.
Prostate disorders are another major concern. These conditions can impair urinary flow due to the prostate's location around the urethra....
Prostate disorders are another major concern. These conditions can impair urinary flow due to the prostate's location around the urethra....
5.2K
01:20The JAK-STAT Signaling Pathway
10.2K
Several cytokine receptors have tightly bound Janus kinase or JAK proteins attached at their cytosolic tail. Small signaling molecules such as cytokines, growth hormones, or prolactins bind to the cytokine receptors and initiate their dimerization. The dimerization brings the cytosolic JAKs together that trans-phosphorylate and activates each other. The activated JAKs now phosphorylate cytosolic tails of the cytokine receptors, which serve as binding sites for adaptor proteins such as SH2...
10.2K