Senolytic Therapy Exploration is the clinical and scientific investigation into compounds or strategies designed to selectively induce apoptosis, or programmed cell death, in senescent cells—cells that have ceased dividing but remain metabolically active and secrete pro-inflammatory factors. The exploration aims to reduce the body’s senescent cell burden, thereby mitigating the chronic, low-grade inflammation (senescence-associated secretory phenotype or SASP) that drives tissue aging and dysfunction. This is a cutting-edge approach to extending healthspan and improving tissue resilience.
Origin
This term is a recent development within the field of geroscience, specifically after the discovery of senescent cells as a major driver of age-related pathology. The word “Senolytic” combines senex (old) and lytic (destroying). “Exploration” emphasizes the ongoing research and clinical trials necessary to identify and validate safe and effective senolytic agents for human use.
Mechanism
Senolytic agents operate by targeting the pro-survival pathways that senescent cells employ to resist apoptosis, such as the Bcl-2 family proteins. By disrupting these pathways, the senescent cells are triggered to undergo programmed cell death. Their subsequent clearance by immune cells reduces the overall SASP burden in tissues. This reduction in chronic inflammation has systemic effects, potentially improving stem cell function, enhancing tissue repair, and positively influencing the hormonal environment by reducing inflammatory cytokine-mediated receptor resistance.
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