Senolytic agents are a class of therapeutic compounds designed to selectively induce apoptosis, or programmed cell death, in senescent cells, which are cells that have ceased dividing but remain metabolically active and secrete pro-inflammatory factors. These agents are a frontier in longevity medicine, targeting the burden of senescent cells that accumulates with age and contributes to chronic inflammation, tissue dysfunction, and age-related diseases. Clinical application is focused on reducing this cellular burden to promote tissue rejuvenation and healthspan extension.
Origin
The term is a compound of the Latin senex meaning “old age” and the Greek lytic meaning “to loosen” or “to destroy.” This descriptive nomenclature was coined to reflect their unique mechanism of action: selectively destroying aged cells. The concept emerged from the recognition of cellular senescence as a fundamental driver of the aging process.
Mechanism
The primary mechanism involves exploiting the unique survival pathways that senescent cells activate to resist their own apoptosis. Senolytic agents specifically target these pro-survival pathways, such as the PI3K/AKT or BCL-2 family pathways, effectively removing the protective shield and causing the senescent cells to undergo programmed death. This targeted clearance reduces the chronic, sterile inflammation caused by the Senescence-Associated Secretory Phenotype (SASP), thereby improving the function of surrounding healthy tissue and potentially modulating the endocrine system.
Senolytic therapies offer a targeted approach to cellular cleanup, with long-term safety depending on their effects on tissue repair and hormonal systems.
Senolytic therapy targets and clears dysfunctional senescent cells, aiming to reduce chronic inflammation and restore metabolic and hormonal balance for enhanced vitality.
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