Senescence, Aging and Disease Throughout the Gastrointestinal System

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology and Cellular Biology

Background:

• Cellular senescence is a key factor in aging and disease.
• It involves cell cycle arrest, morphological changes, and altered secretomes.
• Senescence impacts tissue structure and function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the mechanisms, hallmarks, and consequences of cellular senescence in the gastrointestinal tract.
• To highlight the role of senescence in various gastrointestinal pathologies.
• To discuss the therapeutic potential of targeting senescence in gastroenterology.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on cellular senescence in gastrointestinal diseases.
• Analysis of the molecular basis and clinical implications of senescence.
• Synthesis of current research connecting basic science and clinical practice.

Main Results:

• Senescence contributes to salivary gland hypofunction, oral submucous fibrosis, hepatic steatosis, and biliary tract diseases.
• It plays a role in acute pancreatitis, pancreatic beta-cell dysfunction, inflammatory bowel disease, and colorectal cancer.
• Senescence acts as both a consequence and a driver of gastrointestinal pathology.

Conclusions:

• Cellular senescence is a widespread phenomenon in the gastrointestinal tract with significant pathological roles.
• Targeting senescence presents a promising therapeutic avenue for gastrointestinal disorders.
• Further research into the molecular basis of senescence is crucial for clinical advancements.