Senotherapeutics: Targeting senescent cells for the main age-related diseases

Area of Science:

• Gerontology and Cellular Biology
• Pharmacology and Therapeutics

Background:

• Cellular senescence plays a key role in aging and age-related diseases like Alzheimer's, atherosclerosis, and type 2 diabetes.
• Senescent cells accumulate with age, contributing to tissue dysfunction and disease pathogenesis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current knowledge on targeting senescent cells to mitigate age-related diseases.
• To discuss senotherapeutic strategies, including senolytics and senomorphics, in preclinical and clinical studies.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of animal models and human studies on cellular senescence and senotherapeutics.
• Analysis of molecules with anti-senescence activities, including synthetic agents and natural compounds.
• Evaluation of safety and efficacy data from clinical trials of senotherapeutics.

Main Results:

• Senotherapeutic approaches show potential for translation to human therapies against aging and related diseases.
• Numerous molecules, both synthetic and natural, are being investigated for their senotherapeutic properties.
• Clinical trials indicate growing interest and initial positive findings for senotherapeutics.

Conclusions:

• Targeting cellular senescence is a promising strategy for combating age-related diseases.
• Natural senolytic compounds may offer a safer alternative with lower toxicity for human application.
• Further research is required to define mechanisms of action and ensure the safety of senolytic agents.