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Somatic Senescence Coupling

Meaning

Somatic Senescence Coupling describes the clinical observation and biological process where the accumulation of senescent (non-dividing, pro-inflammatory) cells in somatic tissues directly drives or accelerates the dysfunction of neighboring, healthy cells and the overall aging phenotype. Senescent cells secrete a potent mix of pro-inflammatory cytokines, proteases, and growth factors known as the Senescence-Associated Secretory Phenotype (SASP). This coupling creates a local and systemic inflammatory burden, contributing significantly to tissue fibrosis, stem cell exhaustion, and the progression of age-related diseases. It is the toxic communication loop that actively propagates aging throughout the body’s tissues.