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
Martin BagotExamples of pro-inflammatory in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
These pro-inflammatory omega-6 fats inflame your gut lining, clog your brain and arteries, and stick around for the long haul.
—Jordi Lippe-McGraw, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025
Studies suggest that piperine inhibits inflammatory pathways and reduces levels of pro-inflammatory proteins, like TNF-α and IL-6.15
Dasgupta suggests adding freshly ground black pepper to meals as a simple way to boost their anti-inflammatory potential.
—Jillian Kubala, Health, 31 July 2025
Harmful foods increase collagen glycation, raise insulin levels, and promote a chronic pro-inflammatory state that progressively deteriorates skin quality.
—Violeta Valdés, Vogue, 2 July 2025
The study is among the first large-scale investigations to link a pro-inflammatory maternal diet to type 1 diabetes in offspring, offering new insight into how prenatal nutrition may shape the immune system before birth.
—Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 July 2025
As heart failure—a pro-inflammatory disease in and of itself—progresses, new impairments further affect cognitive function.
—Kaitlin Sullivan, Health, 16 May 2025
Dengue virus prefers shock and awe, pushing dendritic cells to churn out molecules called pro-inflammatory cytokines, which send the immune system into overdrive.
—Ashley MacKin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 Mar. 2025
For her brain health: Limiting her consumption of pro-inflammatory foods like red meat, and engaging in healthy socialization.
For social fitness: Allowing her professional relationships to naturally develop into personal relationships.
—Renée Onque, CNBC, 26 Feb. 2025
People with heart disease or type 2 diabetes who eat an anti-inflammatory diet may be less likely to develop dementia than people who eat a pro-inflammatory diet, new research has found.
—Becky Upham, EverydayHealth.com, 14 Aug. 2024
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Jordi Lippe-McGraw, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025
Studies suggest that piperine inhibits inflammatory pathways and reduces levels of pro-inflammatory proteins, like TNF-α and IL-6.15
Dasgupta suggests adding freshly ground black pepper to meals as a simple way to boost their anti-inflammatory potential.
—Jillian Kubala, Health, 31 July 2025
Harmful foods increase collagen glycation, raise insulin levels, and promote a chronic pro-inflammatory state that progressively deteriorates skin quality.
—Violeta Valdés, Vogue, 2 July 2025
The study is among the first large-scale investigations to link a pro-inflammatory maternal diet to type 1 diabetes in offspring, offering new insight into how prenatal nutrition may shape the immune system before birth.
—Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 July 2025
As heart failure—a pro-inflammatory disease in and of itself—progresses, new impairments further affect cognitive function.
—Kaitlin Sullivan, Health, 16 May 2025
Dengue virus prefers shock and awe, pushing dendritic cells to churn out molecules called pro-inflammatory cytokines, which send the immune system into overdrive.
—Ashley MacKin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 Mar. 2025
For her brain health: Limiting her consumption of pro-inflammatory foods like red meat, and engaging in healthy socialization.
For social fitness: Allowing her professional relationships to naturally develop into personal relationships.
—Renée Onque, CNBC, 26 Feb. 2025
People with heart disease or type 2 diabetes who eat an anti-inflammatory diet may be less likely to develop dementia than people who eat a pro-inflammatory diet, new research has found.
—Becky Upham, EverydayHealth.com, 14 Aug. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Pro-inflammatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pro-inflammatory. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical 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
Daniel A. Muruve et al., NatureWhen 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
Melissa M. Burnett et al., The New England Journal of MedicineLove words? Need even more definitions?
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