Chronic inflammation may slowly rewire your bone marrow and trigger blood problems, study warns

Chronic inflammation changes the bone marrow, helping mutated stem cells grow, the study revealed (Image: Canva)

Your bone marrow makes millions of blood and immune cells every day. Normally, everything works smoothly because stem cells, support cells, and immune signals are in balance. But as you get older, or if there is constant inflammation, that balance can break down. Mutated stem cells, usually kept under control, can begin to multiply. Scientists call this clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP). Most people with CHIP have no symptoms, but it does increase the risk of blood cancers and heart problems.

A team from the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) and partner institutes studied bone marrow from healthy adults and people with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), a serious blood disorder. They discovered that inflammation, not the mutated stem cells, was the main factor changing the marrow. Support cells in the marrow, called stromal cells, become inflammatory over time. These cells release molecules that attract and activate immune T cells, creating a loop of inflammation. This ongoing cycle makes it harder for normal blood cells to grow and helps set the stage for future disease.

What the study reveals:

• Chronic inflammationchanges the bone marrow, helping mutated stem cells grow.
• Mutated blood cells themselves aren’t the main problem—the inflamed environment is.
• Inflammatory support cells release signals that increase immune activity, keeping the cycle going. Normal blood production is disrupted.
• CHIP, affecting 10–20 percent of people over 60, increases risk of blood cancer and heart disease.
• Treatments that reduce inflammation or adjust immune signals could prevent progression to MDS or leukemia.
• Early warning signs in support and immune cells could identify at-risk individuals before disease develops.

The study shows that the environment around stem cells is just as important as the cells themselves. By reducing inflammation early, doctors may be able to protect bone marrow, slow disease, and prevent blood disorders. It also highlights ‘inflammaging’, the low-level inflammation linked to ageing and conditions like heart disease and cancer. Bone marrow is both affected by and contributes to these age-related changes.

FAQs on Chronic Inflammation

What is chronic inflammation?

Chronic inflammation is a prolonged inflammatory response that can last for months or years. It can result from persistent infections, autoimmune reactions, or long-term exposure to irritants.

How does chronic inflammation affect bone marrow?

Chronic inflammation alters the bone marrow environment, promoting the growth of mutated stem cells. This inflammatory setting disrupts normal blood cell production and increases the risk of blood cancers and heart disease.

What are the risks associated with chronic inflammation and CHIP?

Chronic inflammation and clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP) increase the likelihood of developing blood cancers and heart diseases. About 10-20 percent of people over 60 are affected by CHIP.

Can chronic inflammation be managed to prevent disease progression?

Yes, treatments aimed at reducing inflammation or adjusting immune signals may prevent the progression of conditions like myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) or leukemia. Early interventions could protect bone marrow and slow disease development.

What did the study by EMBL reveal about chronic inflammation?

The EMBL study found that chronic inflammation, not mutated stem cells, changes the bone marrow environment. Inflammatory support cells and immune activity create a cycle that disrupts normal blood cell growth, highlighting the importance of reducing inflammation to prevent diseases.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.