What is the Origin of Senolytic Support Agents?

This term is a product of the emerging field of geroscience, which targets the fundamental biological mechanisms of aging. The word 'senolytic' combines senes, meaning 'old,' and lytic, meaning 'destroying.' The development of these agents represents a significant shift toward pharmaceutical intervention in the aging process itself, rather than just treating age-related diseases.

What is the Mechanism of Senolytic Support Agents?

Senolytic agents function by disrupting the pro-survival pathways that allow senescent cells to resist apoptosis. They interfere with specific molecular signals, such as those involving the Bcl-2 family of proteins, thereby lowering the cell's survival threshold and triggering its controlled self-destruction. This selective clearance of dysfunctional cells reduces the Senescence-Associated Secretory Phenotype (SASP), which is a key driver of systemic inflammation and tissue degradation.

Senolytic Support Agents ∞ Area

Senolytic Support Agents

Meaning

Senolytic Support Agents are a class of compounds, often small molecules or natural substances, specifically designed to selectively induce apoptosis, or programmed cell death, in senescent cells. Senescent cells are damaged cells that cease dividing but remain metabolically active, secreting pro-inflammatory factors that contribute to tissue aging and dysfunction. The therapeutic application of these agents aims to clear the senescent cell burden, thereby mitigating chronic inflammation and promoting tissue rejuvenation for enhanced longevity.