Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 5, 2026
07:39
SA-β-Galactosidase-Based Screening Assay for the Identification of Senotherapeutic Drugs
Published on: June 28, 2019
Cellular senescence at the bidirectional interface between ageing and coronary artery disease
Xinxin Li1, Hanwen Zhang1, Mengjia Chen1
1Department of Cardiovascular Ultrasound, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China; Clinical Medical Research Centre of Imaging in Liaoning Province, Shenyang, Liaoning, China.
Ageing Research Reviews
|July 31, 2026
Summary
Cellular senescence, a hallmark of aging, contributes to coronary artery disease (CAD) by promoting inflammation and plaque instability. Targeting senescent cells may offer new therapeutic strategies for CAD in aging populations.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Gerontology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a leading cause of death globally, with aging populations presenting complex clinical challenges.
- Biological aging, beyond chronological age, is crucial for understanding CAD heterogeneity in older adults.
- Cellular senescence, marked by cell-cycle arrest and a senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), links aging to cardiovascular disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of cellular senescence in the context of coronary artery disease (CAD) and aging.
- To explore the bidirectional relationship between biological aging processes and CAD.
- To discuss potential therapeutic strategies targeting cellular senescence for CAD.
Main Methods:
- Literature review examining cell-type-specific senescence in cardiovascular compartments.
- Analysis of molecular pathways involved in senescence and CAD.
- Discussion of senolytic and senomorphic therapies in preclinical cardiovascular disease models.
Main Results:
- Senescent cells (endothelial, smooth muscle, immune, fibroblasts, cardiomyocytes) contribute to endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, and plaque instability in CAD.
- CAD-related stressors can induce local senescence, propagating signaling.
- The impact of CAD on whole-organism biological aging requires further investigation.
Conclusions:
- Cellular senescence acts as a bidirectional interface between aging and CAD, influenced by context.
- Senescence-targeted therapies (senolytics, senomorphics) show promise but are largely preclinical for cardiovascular disease.
- Future translation requires careful consideration of disease stage, timing, cell specificity, and patient stratification for refined, aging-informed CAD management.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Coronary Artery Disease II: Pathophysiology
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) originates from a series of events that impair the function of coronary arteries, the blood vessels responsible for delivering oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle. The pathophysiology of CAD is closely linked to atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory and lipid-driven condition affecting the vascular endothelium.1. Endothelial DamageThe process begins with damage to the vascular endothelium, which serves as a protective barrier between the blood and the vessel...
02:15Replicative Cell Senescence
Replicative cell senescence is a property of cells that allows them to divide a finite number of times throughout the organism's lifespan while preventing excessive proliferation. Replicative senescence is associated with the gradual loss of the telomere — short, repetitive DNA sequences found at the end of the chromosomes. Telomeres are bound by a group of proteins to form a protective cap on the ends of chromosomes. Embryonic stem cells express telomerase — an enzyme that adds the telomeric...
02:15Replicative Cell Senescence
Replicative cell senescence is a property of cells that allows them to divide a finite number of times throughout the organism's lifespan while preventing excessive proliferation. Replicative senescence is associated with the gradual loss of the telomere — short, repetitive DNA sequences found at the end of the chromosomes. Telomeres are bound by a group of proteins to form a protective cap on the ends of chromosomes. Embryonic stem cells express telomerase — an enzyme that adds the telomeric...
01:37Mitochondria
Mitochondria are eukaryotic cellular organelles that are known to produce energy through a process called oxidative phosphorylation. Besides their primary function, mitochondria are involved in various cellular processes, including cell growth, differentiation, signaling, metabolism, and senescence. Age-related changes cause a decline in mitochondrial quality and integrity due to increased mitochondrial mutations and oxidative damage. Thus, aging can severely impact mitochondrial functions,...
01:30Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): An Overview with Scientific InsightsCoronary Artery Disease (CAD), often referred to as C-A-D, is a prevalent blood vessel disorder classified under the broader category of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a pathological process characterized by the hardening and narrowing of arteries due to the accumulation of atherosclerotic plaques. These plaques are composed of cholesterol, fatty substances, inflammatory cells, calcium, and fibrin, reducing blood flow to...
01:26Aging
Aging is a complex biological phenomenon influenced by various processes that affect cellular and systemic functions. Several prominent theories attempt to explain its mechanisms, highlighting cellular limitations, oxidative damage, and hormonal changes as central factors in aging.
Cellular Clock Theory
The cellular clock theory posits that the human lifespan is closely tied to the finite capacity of cells to divide, a phenomenon governed by telomeres, which are protective caps at the ends of...
Cellular Clock Theory
The cellular clock theory posits that the human lifespan is closely tied to the finite capacity of cells to divide, a phenomenon governed by telomeres, which are protective caps at the ends of...