Sometimes, senescent cells are called “zombie cells” due to being, in a sense, not entirely dead. The cells cease reproduction because of injury or strain, yet they remain in the body and can generate problems as one ages.(Image credit: OsakaWayne Studios via Getty Images)ShareShare by:
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A recent study suggests that “zombified” cells within blood vessels could have a significant role in the emergence of metabolic ailments, such as diabetes, that occur with the passing years. Furthermore, eliminating these zombie cells may represent a viable future therapeutic avenue.
Typically, cells transition into senescence — a state where they permanently halt division but still inhabit the body — as a reaction to pressure. These stagnant cells might offer particular advantages; for instance, some have a vital part in the healing of wounds. However, it’s also understood that senescent cells add to age-linked diseases, as their accumulation in the system increases over the course of time.
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Within the framework of a recent investigation, documented on Thursday (Nov. 20) in the journal Cell Metabolism, the team directed its attention to endothelial cells, specifically those that form the lining of blood vessels, pinpointing a distinct case where senescence could impair metabolism. Furthermore, the research alludes to a potential treatment method applicable to both age-associated metabolic disorders and numerous elements of aging, per a comment provided to Live Science by an expert.
“Identifying a consistent target, for example, blood vessels, introduces the chance to simultaneously address a wide array of aging-related aspects,” stated Dr. Christina Aguayo-Mazzucato, an assistant medicine professor at Harvard Medical School, who did not take part in this research.
Pinpointing Harmful Senescent Cells
There’s a growing consensus that senescent cells are significant contributors to the advancement of age-related metabolic illnesses. Nonetheless, researchers remain focused on determining the precise cells for which senescence poses a risk, rather than offering advantages.
In the context of this study, the research team opted to concentrate on the cells within blood vessels, which are crucial to the function of many organs, and have been recognized for their involvement in regulating metabolism across various tissues, according to what Live Science was told by Dr. Nicolas Musi, the co-author of the research and a medicine professor at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.
To ascertain whether these cells served as critical motivators of metabolic irregularities, the scientists put one assembly of lab mice on a diet abundant in fats to elevate their weight and activate cell senescence, and then, they extracted the senescent endothelial cells for more investigation. Additionally, the group exposed another set of endothelial cells to radiation in order to stimulate senescence, afterward embedding those cells into thin lab mice exhibiting normal metabolic behavior.
Removing senescent endothelial cells derived from obese mice correlated with a reduction in fat content, enhanced blood sugar levels, and an overall enhancement in metabolic performance. Conversely, the introduction of senescent cells into thin mice resulted in elevated blood sugar levels and insulin deterioration.
“As these cells enter the resting state of senescence, they begin the production of inflammatory compounds recognized as Senescence-Associated Secretory Phenotype (SASP),” Musi explained. This action gives insight into why removing senescent cells was tied to an improved metabolic rate. Normally, cells derive nutrients like fats and glucose from the bloodstream to generate the energy they require for correct function. Still, upon encountering the flood of inflammatory molecules stemming from SASP cells, this process falters, he elaborated.
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“Cellular metabolism gets modified, converting to unusual tissue and following through to irregular metabolism of the entire body,” Musi told Live Science.
‘Senolytics’ Present Possible Treatment Approaches
During the subsequent phase of the investigation, both groups of mice received treatment utilizing fisetin, which the team had determined could eliminate senescent cells. This category of medicine is referred to as a senolytic. Treatment with fisetin across the two groups brought about a reduction in senescent blood vessel cells coupled with enhanced glucose acceptance.
The researchers additionally examined the impacts of the drug on tissue specimens extracted from six adult individuals with obesity in their 40s and 50s, noticing a related decrease in senescent blood vessel cells inside the treated tissue.
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Aguayo-Mazzucato proposes that this study might clear a path for novel therapies aimed at senescent cells located in the cardiovascular system. She stated, “Metabolic abnormalities represent a comprehensive physiological matter. A number of tissues exhibit alterations in the utilization of nutrients.” She went on to explain that as senescent vascular cells populate the whole anatomy, concentrating on them across diverse organs can equip doctors to manage an array of illnesses.
“Instead of claiming we are dealing with ailments like cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer’s [or] Parkinson’s as stand-alone cases, the perspective shifts to identifying them as age-related, connected through mutual pathways inherent to every ailment attributed to aging,” Aguayo-Mazzucato contributed.
Suda proposed that future research ought to encompass clinical analyses to check whether senescence brings on corresponding impacts in the blood vessels of humans compared to what was noticed in lab mice.
Disclaimer
This article is intended only for informational aims and should not be substituted for health advice.
Elise CeyralLive Science Contributor
Elise Ceyral functions as an award-winning journalist committed to documenting new discoveries across the domains of health and science. Occupying the role of Associate Editor for AARP, she dedicated herself to penning pieces on matters of brain well-being and beneficial routines for aging healthily. Her articles have been showcased in AARP the Magazine, the AARP Bulletin, aarp.org plus diverse publications written in French.
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