Nutrition as a modulator of inflammatory responses

Abstract

Inflammation is a critical biological response to tissue damage or infection, aimed at restoring homeostasis and initiating healing processes. Historically, inflammation was described by ancient scholars, with Celsus highlighting redness, swelling, heat, and pain, and Galen associating it with loss of function. In contemporary terms, inflammation is defined as a biological reaction to harmful stimuli, which can resolve or lead to chronic conditions if uncontrolled. Acute inflammation is vital for pathogen defense and tissue repair, but chronic inflammation is linked to cardiovascular disorders, diabetes, and autoimmune conditions. The immune system plays a key role in inflammation, with innate immunity providing a rapid response to infections, while acquired immunity offers a more specific, delayed reaction. Inflammation is regulated by mediators such as cytokines, chemokines, and prostaglandins, which facilitate immune cell migration and activation. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids have been shown to reduce inflammation by interfering with pro-inflammatory eicosanoid production and modulating gene expression. Diet plays an essential role in modulating inflammation, with anti-inflammatory diets like the Mediterranean diet showing beneficial effects in managing inflammatory markers. Conversely, Western diets rich in processed foods tend to exacerbate inflammation. Combining pharmacological approaches with anti-inflammatory dietary changes may offer a more sustainable strategy for preventing and treating inflammation-related diseases. This review aims to explore the mechanisms, impacts, and management strategies of inflammation, emphasizing its role in health and chronic disease.

Cite this article as: Çetin R, Erbaş O. Nutrition as a modulator of inflammatory responses. D J Med Sci 2024;10(3):129-133. doi: 10.5606/fng.btd.2024.162.

Idea/concept, data collection and/or processing, analysis and/or interpretation, literature review, writing the article: R.Ç.; Control/supervision: O.E.

The authors declared no conflicts of interest with respect to the authorship and/ or publication of this article.

The authors received no financial support for the research and/or authorship of this article.

Data Sharing Statement:
The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.