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How can oxidative stress lead to inflammation during aging?

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primates — aging Primates are among the longest-lived groups of mammals.

According to the molecular inflammatory theory of aging, oxidative stress contributes to inflammation through the activation of redox-sensitive transcription factors.1

These transcription factors are molecules that control gene activity. When they are activated by age-related oxidative stress—caused by the accumulation of reactive oxygen species—they trigger an increased expression of proinflammatory genes. This process initiates an inflammatory cascade in various tissues, which is often exaggerated during the aging process.1

This chronic, age-associated inflammation is linked to several serious pathologies, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, arthritis, and various neurodegenerative conditions. Ultimately, this inflammatory response serves as a significant factor in the decline of tissue function and the progression of age-related degeneration.12