Central and Peripheral Inflammation: A Common Factor Causing Addictive and Neurological Disorders and Aging-Related Pathologies

Many diseases and degenerative processes affecting the nervous system and peripheral organs trigger the activation of inflammatory cascades. Inflammation can be triggered by different environmental conditions or risk factors, including drug and food addiction, stress, and aging, among others. Several pieces of evidence show that the modern lifestyle and, more recently, the confinement associated with the COVID-19 pandemic have contributed to increasing the incidence of addictive and neuropsychiatric disorders, plus cardiometabolic diseases. Here, we gather evidence on how some of these risk factors are implicated in activating central and peripheral inflammation contributing to some neuropathologies and behaviors associated with poor health. We discuss the current understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in the generation of inflammation and how these processes occur in different cells and tissues to promote ill health and diseases. Concomitantly, we discuss how some pathology-associated and addictive behaviors contribute to worsening these inflammation mechanisms, leading to a vicious cycle that promotes disease progression. Finally, we list some drugs targeting inflammation-related pathways that may have beneficial effects on the pathological processes associated with addictive, mental, and cardiometabolic illnesses.

Automated summary

Many diseases and degenerative processes activate inflammatory cascades in the nervous system and peripheral organs. Various risk factors, such as addiction, stress, and aging, can trigger inflammation. Evidence shows that the modern lifestyle and recent confinement due to the COVID-19 pandemic have contributed to the increase in addictive disorders, neuropsychiatric disorders, and cardiometabolic diseases. This article gathers evidence on how these risk factors activate central and peripheral inflammation, leading to neuropathologies and behaviors associated with poor health. It discusses the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in inflammation generation, as well as how pathology-associated and addictive behaviors worsen these mechanisms, promoting disease progression. Additionally, it lists drugs targeting inflammation-related pathways that may have beneficial effects on addictive, mental, and cardiometabolic illnesses.