A therapeutic regimen involving the periodic, intermittent administration of specific compounds designed to selectively induce apoptosis, or programmed cell death, in senescent cells. These cells accumulate with age, secrete pro-inflammatory factors, and impair tissue function, contributing to hormonal decline and aging pathology. The cycling approach aims to clear this cellular burden without causing undue toxicity to healthy, dividing cells.
Origin
This concept is a direct product of geroscience research, which identified senescent cells as a key driver of aging and age-related disease. The term “senolytic” combines “senescence” and “lytic” (to destroy). Cycling protocols were developed to maximize the therapeutic effect while allowing the body time to clear the debris and minimize the potential for off-target effects.
Mechanism
Senolytic agents target the pro-survival pathways that senescent cells employ to resist apoptosis, such as the Bcl-2 family proteins. By disrupting these pathways, the compounds force the senescent cells into self-destruction. The subsequent clearance of these cells reduces the systemic secretome of pro-inflammatory molecules, or the Senescence-Associated Secretory Phenotype (SASP), thereby improving the microenvironment for healthy tissue and restoring local endocrine signaling clarity.
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