Dietary ingredients inducing cellular senescence in animals and humans: A systematic review

Cellular senescence (CS) is a hallmark of ageing and age-related diseases. While dietary interventions are often explored to reduce CS, less is known about dietary ingredients that induce it. This study systematically reviews the evidence on dietary ingredients that promote CS in animal models and humans.

Following PRISMA guidelines (PROSPERO: CRD42022338885), PubMed and Embase were searched for studies on dietary ingredients administered via the gastrointestinal tract affecting CS markers in animal models or adults. Risk of bias was assessed using SYRCLE's and Cochrane's tools.

From 10,806 articles, 80 studies (77 animal, 3 human) were included. In animals, high-fat diets commonly induced CS across tissues. The plant extract Teng Long Bu Zhong Tang and certain bioactives promoted CS in tumor tissues, potentially offering anti-cancer benefits. Excessive ethanol intake caused CS in the liver and other organs. In humans, increased CS load was linked to red meat-based meals, high protein intake, and DHA-enriched fish oil. Most studies showed unclear risk of bias.

High-fat diets and anti-cancer natural products promote CS in animal models. Preliminary human evidence suggests similar effects from high-protein, red meat-based diets, or DHA-enriched fish oil. Further research is needed to clarify mechanisms and guide dietary and public health recommendations.