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Fig.: Inflammation vs Metaflammation [Credit: InfoHealer]
Concept of Metaflammation
Metaflammation is a portmanteau of metabolism and inflammation. It is defined as a chronic low-grade inflammatory state induced by alterations in metabolism. This concept is relatively novel and it is still rather poorly understood. Recent advances have identified key mediators and pathways that link altered metabolism and chronic inflammation with target organ injury. PubMed first recorded use of the term metaflammation in 2008. More recently, it was defined as a chronic low-grade inflammatory state induced by alterations in metabolism.
Metaflamation occurs in conditions associated with metabolic dysfunction, such as obesity and insulin resistance. It can be induced also by early stages of viral infection and by certain medication, hence, possibly also by vaccines. While it is sometimes referred to as a low-grade inflammatory state, it differs significantly from the classic acute inflammation.
It is much harder to detect metaflammation as compared to the classic inflammation. Hence it’s presence may be overlooked. However, despite its stealthy nature metaflammation can still cause thrombosis - perhaps via mechanism similar to immunothrombosis.
Metaflammation and Side Effects of Vaccines
The combination of low detectability and its thrombogenic capabilities makes the metaflammation hypothesis into an attractive theory which could explain some enigmatic cases of the clots formation after COVID-19 vaccination and perhaps certain other side effects of numerous vaccines .
However, until proven by the empiric studies this concept remains purely speculative.
Currently, there is no extensive literature dealing with this specific vaccine-abnormal hemostasis theory but the research is ongoing.
Suggested Further Readings:
1. Grover SP, Mackman N. Neutrophils, NETs, and immunothrombosis. Blood. 2018;132(13):1360-1361. doi:10.1182/BLOOD-2018-08-868067
2. Itoh H, Ueda M, Suzuki M, Kohmura-Kobayashi Y. Developmental Origins of Metaflammation; A Bridge to the Future Between the DOHaD Theory and Evolutionary Biology. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2022;13. doi:10.3389/FENDO.2022.839436
3. Hotamisligil GS. Inflammation, metaflammation and immunometabolic disorders. Nature 2017 542:7640. 2017;542(7640):177-185. doi:10.1038/nature21363
4. Muskiet FAJ, Carrera-Bastos P, Pruimboom L, Lucia A, Furman D. Obesity and Leptin Resistance in the Regulation of the Type I Interferon Early Response and the Increased Risk for Severe COVID-19. Nutrients. 2022;14(7). doi:10.3390/NU14071388
5. Belchior-Bezerra M, Lima RS, Medeiros NI, Gomes JAS. COVID‐19, obesity, and immune response 2 years after the pandemic: A timeline of scientific advances. Obesity Reviews. 2022;23(10). doi:10.1111/OBR.13496