Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 2, 2025
SA-β-Galactosidase-Based Screening Assay for the Identification of Senotherapeutic Drugs
Published on: June 28, 2019
Drugs against metabolic diseases as potential senotherapeutics for aging-related respiratory diseases
Sachi Matsubayashi1, Saburo Ito1, Jun Araya1
1Division of Respiratory Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
Abstract:
Recent advances in aging research have provided novel insights for the development of senotherapy, which utilizes cellular senescence as a therapeutic target. Cellular senescence is involved in the pathogenesis of various chronic diseases, including metabolic and respiratory diseases. Senotherapy is a potential therapeutic strategy for aging-related pathologies. Senotherapy can be classified into senolytics (induce cell death in senescent cells) and senomorphics (ameliorate the adverse effects of senescent cells represented by the senescence-associated secretory phenotype). Although the precise mechanism has not been elucidated, various drugs against metabolic diseases may function as senotherapeutics, which has piqued the interest of the scientific community. Cellular senescence is involved in the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), which are aging-related respiratory diseases. Large-scale observational studies have reported that several drugs, such as metformin and statins, may ameliorate the progression of COPD and IPF. Recent studies have reported that drugs against metabolic diseases may exert a pharmacological effect on aging-related respiratory diseases that can be different from their original effect on metabolic diseases. However, high non-physiological concentrations are needed to determine the efficacy of these drugs under experimental conditions. Inhalation therapy may increase the local concentration of drugs in the lungs without exerting systemic adverse effects. Thus, the clinical application of drugs against metabolic diseases, especially through an inhalation treatment modality, can be a novel therapeutic approach for aging-related respiratory diseases. This review summarizes and discusses accumulating evidence on the mechanisms of aging, as well as on cellular senescence and senotherapeutics, including drugs against metabolic diseases. We propose a developmental strategy for a senotherapeutic approach for aging-related respiratory diseases with a special focus on COPD and IPF.
Insights
Senotherapy targets cellular senescence in aging. Drugs for metabolic diseases may treat respiratory conditions like COPD and IPF, especially via inhalation, offering a novel therapeutic strategy.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology and Regenerative Medicine
- Pulmonology and Respiratory Medicine
- Pharmacology and Drug Discovery
Background:
- Cellular senescence contributes to aging and chronic diseases, including metabolic and respiratory conditions.
- Senotherapy, targeting senescent cells, offers a promising strategy for age-related pathologies.
- Metabolic disease drugs show potential as senotherapeutics, particularly for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of cellular senescence in aging-related respiratory diseases.
- To discuss the potential of senotherapy, including metabolic drugs, for treating COPD and IPF.
- To propose a developmental strategy for senotherapeutic approaches in respiratory diseases.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of aging mechanisms, cellular senescence, and senotherapeutics.
- Analysis of studies on metabolic drugs (e.g., metformin, statins) in aging-related respiratory diseases.
- Discussion of inhalation therapy as a targeted drug delivery method for lung diseases.
Main Results:
- Cellular senescence is implicated in the pathogenesis of COPD and IPF.
- Metabolic drugs may ameliorate COPD and IPF progression, though high concentrations are often needed.
- Inhalation delivery could enhance lung drug concentrations and minimize systemic side effects.
Conclusions:
- Senotherapy presents a novel therapeutic avenue for aging-related respiratory diseases.
- Metabolic drugs, particularly when delivered via inhalation, could be repurposed for COPD and IPF.
- Further research is needed to develop targeted senotherapeutic strategies for respiratory conditions.
Related Concept Videos
01:46Electron Transport Chain: Complex I and II
ROS generation is regulated and maintained at moderate levels necessary...
01:37Mitochondria
01:17Drugs Used in Lower Respiratory Disorders: Overview
Bronchodilators, the first step of respiration enhancement, come in various forms, each with its own mechanism...
01:20Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-II: Pathophysiology
Chronic Inflammation
01:29Acute Respiratory Failure-V
Ensure that patients are monitored continuously for their response to therapy, including changes in...
01:23Physiological Control of Respiration
Breathing, a seemingly passive process, is regulated by the respiratory center in the brainstem. This center coordinates the involuntary control of respirations, which means it occurs without conscious effort, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted pattern.
Regulation of Ventilation
The body maintains ventilation by monitoring levels of carbon dioxide (CO2), oxygen (O2), and hydrogen ion concentration (pH) in the arterial blood. Among these factors, the level of CO2 plays a crucial...