More scientists are exploring cellular senescence, a state in which cells no longer divide.
Senescent cells, which accumulate in older bodies, have been linked to age-related conditions such as dementia and cardiovascular disease.
Scientists are exploring drugs that target senescent cells. But the most promising tool against the negative effects of senescent cells, experts say, is exercise.
“A very hot topic”
Viviana Pérez Montes of the National Institutes of Health described cellular senescence as “a very hot period.” theme.” The Associated Press reports that around 11,500 projects related to cellular senescence have been started since 1985. The AP report was based on its study of an NIH research database. A host of projects started in recent years, according to the report.
Such research is based on the idea that cells stop dividing and enter a state of “senescence” in reaction to damage. The body excretes most of these cells.
But others remain in the body. They can damage nearby cells, says Nathan LeBrasseur of the Mayo Clinic. He likened it to the way bad fruit can ruin a container full of fruit.
But scientists wonder: Can the damaging buildup of senescent cells be stopped?
“The ability to understand aging…is truly the greatest chance we have had, perhaps in history, transform human health,” says LeBrasseur. Extending healthy years affects “quality of life” and “public health,” he said.
The number of people aged 65 and over is expected to double worldwide by 2050.
Although no one believes that senescence is the key to extremely long life, Tufts University researcher Christopher Wiley hopes for a day when fewer people suffer like his grandfather before he died. He had Alzheimer’s disease.
“I’m not looking for fountain of youthWiley says. “I look for the source of not getting sick when I am older.”
drugs
Some 100 companies, as well as academic groups, are exploring drugs to target senescent cells.
Scientists are careful to point out that cellular senescence can be helpful. The process was probably developed, at least in part, to suppress cancer development. Cellular senescence occurs throughout our lives, caused by things like DNA damage and the shortening of telomeres, structures that protect the ends of chromosomes. Senescent cells play a role in wound healing, embryonic development, and parturition.
But problems can arise when senescent cells build up.
“When you are young, your immune system is able to recognize these senescent cells and eliminate them,” says Pérez, who studies cell biology and aging. But, when we start to age, in the words of Pérez, “the activity of our immune system also decreases. diminishedso we’re losing ability to eliminate them.”
Experimental drugs designed to kill senescent cells are called “senolytics.” In mice, they have been shown to be effective in delaying, preventing, or alleviating various age-related disorders.
at least 12 clinical Senolytic trials are now testing whether the drugs can help control Alzheimer’s, improve skeletal health and more.
There is still much to learn.
Exercise
Today, LeBrasseur, who runs a center on aging at Mayo, says exercise is “the most promising tool we have” for good health in old age, and its power extends to our cells.
Research suggests that exercise counteracts the buildup of senescent cells, helping the immune system to clear them and fight molecular damage that can affect the senescence process.
Last year, LeBrasseur led a study that provided the first evidence in humans that exercise substantially affected the process. Reduced signs in the bloodstream of the effects of senescent cells in the body.
After a 12-week exercise program, the researchers found that older adults had decreased signs of senescence and improved muscle strength, physical ability, and health. A recently published research review compiles even more evidence, in animals and humans, for exercise as a therapy targeting senescence.
Although such studies are not widely known outside of scientific circles, many older adults link exercise to youth.
Rancher Mike Gale, 81, did a track throwing circle on his large property in California. He and some of his friends throw discus and use other exercise equipment.
“I would like to compete at 90,” says Gale. “Why not?”
Richard Soller, 95, says exercise keeps him fit enough to deal with whatever comes his way, including the discovery that his 62-year-old wife had developed Alzheimer’s. The two sometimes walk through the streets of their neighborhood together, hand in hand.
“Do all you can,” he says. “That should be the goal for anyone to stay healthy.”
I am John Russell.
And I’m Ashley Thompson.
Laura Ungar reported this story for the Associated Press. John Russell adapted it for VOA Learning English.
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words in this story
theme – north someone or something that people talk or write about
chance – north an amount of time or a situation in which something can be done
transform – v change (something) completely and usually in a good way
fountain of youth – expression a legendary fountain that is supposed to give eternal youth to anyone who drinks from it
diminish – v become or cause (something) to decrease in size, importance, etc.
ability – north the ability to do something: a mental, emotional, or physical ability
clinical – adj. relating to or based on work done with real patients: of or relating to medical treatment given to patients in hospitals, clinics, etc.
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