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Definition: How does the clearance of senescent cells improve overall health?

Senescent cells are cells that have entered a state of irreversible growth arrest due to various stressors, such as DNA damage or telomere shortening. These cells accumulate in tissues over time and contribute to aging and age-related diseases.

The clearance of senescent cells, also known as senolytic therapy, has emerged as a promising approach to improve overall health and extend lifespan. By selectively eliminating senescent cells, this therapy aims to alleviate the burden of senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) factors, which are harmful molecules secreted by senescent cells.

1. Reduction of inflammation:

Senescent cells secrete pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, which can lead to chronic inflammation. This chronic inflammation, known as inflammaging, is associated with various age-related diseases, including cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative disorders, and cancer. By clearing senescent cells, the inflammatory burden is reduced, leading to a decrease in overall inflammation and potentially lowering the risk of these diseases.

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2. Improvement of tissue function:

Senescent cells can impair tissue function by disrupting the surrounding cellular environment. They can induce cell cycle arrest in neighboring cells, impair stem cell function, and alter the extracellular matrix. By removing senescent cells, tissue homeostasis can be restored, allowing for improved tissue function and regeneration.

3. Prevention of age-related diseases:

Senescent cells have been implicated in the development and progression of various age-related diseases. By clearing these cells, senolytic therapy has the potential to prevent or delay the onset of diseases such as osteoarthritis, pulmonary fibrosis, and age-related macular degeneration. This can lead to improved overall health and increased lifespan.

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In summary, the clearance of senescent cells through senolytic therapy offers several benefits for overall health. It reduces inflammation, improves tissue function, and has the potential to prevent age-related diseases. Further research and development of senolytic therapies hold promise for extending healthy lifespan and improving the quality of life in aging individuals.

Keywords: senescent, diseases, related, inflammation, tissue, function, health, senolytic, clearance