Inflammation is the body's first response to the invasion of bacteria, viruses, or other pathogens. An appropriate inflammatory response helps eliminate pathogens, but an excessive inflammatory response can worsen the condition and even cause tissue damage.
Autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and multiple sclerosis are caused by the immune system mistakenly attacking the body's own tissues. These diseases are often accompanied by chronic inflammation, leading to tissue damage and dysfunction.
Chronic inflammation is considered a key factor in cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, and stroke. The inflammatory response promotes arterial wall damage and plaque formation, increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Inflammation is associated with metabolic diseases such as metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and obesity. Chronic low-grade inflammation may increase the risk of these diseases by affecting insulin signaling and promoting inflammation in adipose tissue.
Inflammation plays a role in various neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. The inflammatory response may accelerate the progression of these diseases by promoting the damage and death of nerve cells.
An inflammatory environment can promote the growth and spread of cancer cells. Certain inflammatory mediators can stimulate the proliferation of tumor cells and inhibit the anti-cancer effects of immune cells, thereby increasing the risk of cancer.