pro-inflammatory

adjective

pro-in·​flam·​ma·​to·​ry (ˌ)prō-in-ˈfla-mə-ˌtȯr-ē 

variants or proinflammatory

: promoting inflammation : capable of causing inflammation

pro-inflammatory cytokines

proinflammatory effects

The findings showed a pro-inflammatory diet with sugar, high saturated fat and processed food was associated with a higher risk of depression.

—Martin Bagot

Examples of pro-inflammatory in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

According to a new study, 57% of adults in the U.S. eat a pro-inflammatory diet. —Sarah Garone, Health, 10 Oct. 2024

Polyphenols may prevent inflammation by changing specific pro-inflammatory processes.10 Hormone balance: Specific components in pineapple may help balance hormones. —Brittany Lubeck, Ms, Rdn, Verywell Health, 26 Sep. 2024

Besides lowering blood sugar, metformin reduces viral load and pro-inflammatory molecules that contribute to clotting. —Judy Stone, Forbes, 25 Sep. 2024

Antioxidant-rich foods play a major part in calming inflammation, neutralizing free radicals and suppressing the body’s pro-inflammatory processes for a more harmonic immune response. —Calin Van Paris, Vogue, 18 June 2024

Essential to healing and tissue restoration post-injury is the body’s ability to transition from a pro-inflammatory to an anti-inflammatory state. —New Atlas, 12 Sep. 2024

Experimental animal studies have found that the flavonoids in palo azul bark contain powerful anti-inflammatory properties and might reduce the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-6, and GM-CSF in those with arthritis. —Devineé Lingo, M.s., Rdn, Health, 6 Sep. 2024

Participants were placed into three equal-size groups: those with the lowest scores were categorized as having an anti-inflammatory diet; those with the highest scores were categorized as having a pro-inflammatory diet; and those in the middle were categorized as having a neutral diet. —Becky Upham, EverydayHealth.com, 14 Aug. 2024

Studies have found that bergamot flavonoids can lower levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines that instigate inflammation in the body.1 New research is evaluating the anti-inflammatory benefits of bergamot byproducts (like juice). —Isabel Vasquez Rd Ldn, Health, 5 Aug. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1962, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

pro-inflammatory

adjective

pro-in·​flam·​ma·​to·​ry (ˈ)prō-in-ˈfla-mə-ˌtȯr-ē 

variants or proinflammatory

: promoting inflammation : capable of causing inflammation

pro-inflammatory cytokines

… viruses also trigger pro-inflammatory responses, which remain poorly defined.

—Daniel A. Muruve et al., Nature

When the lesions are traumatized, or rubbed firmly, the cutaneous mast cells may release proinflammatory mediators, causing edema, erythema, and even vesicle formation.

—Melissa M. Burnett et al., The New England Journal of Medicine