The process of replicative senescence is naturally initiated in cells as they age. It is triggered by the shortening of telomeres, the DNA sequences found at the tips of chromosomes, which become shorter with each successive DNA replication. After a certain point, this replication of DNA ceases, and the cell stops dividing before dying a natural death. Scientists have recently shown that stress leads to an acceleration in cellular ageing by intensifying this telomere-shortening. (1)
There are also external triggers of senescence such as oxidative stress. In a similar way to radiation or UV, oxidative stress damages DNA. Sometimes the cell is able to repair the DNA and ‘restart the machine’, but in other cases, the cell enters senescence in order to be destroyed.
Finally, senescence can be induced by hyperactivation of genes which usually encourage proliferation of cells and therefore cancer. When faced with such hyperactivation, cells respond by entering senescence.
The senescent cell becomes enlarged and flatter, structural changes occur in its chromatin (the ‘framework’ in which DNA is contained), it becomes unreceptive to cell growth and suicide factors … In short, it ensures a permanent end to its activity and multiplication. In addition, the senescent cell secretes pro-inflammatory molecules which summon the immune system responsible for eliminating and destroying dead cells. In this way, senescence and its immune-activating entourage often contribute to inhibiting the development of tumours.
However, in what is a particularly complex molecular process, it can happen that senescence promotes tumour proliferation in the cell’s surrounding environment. The inflammatory molecules secreted by senescent cells may encourage neighbouring cells to convert into pre-cancerous cells and then foster their proliferation. (2)
Research has recently identified the proliferative capacity of senescent cells during embryo development. (3)
Senescence is one of the body’s natural mechanisms of ageing and its characteristic markers such as wrinkles or skin slackening. But it is also a cause of certain diseases, as we’ve seen with cancer. The immune system’s failure to destroy senescent cells leads to excessive inflammation and the development of metabolic inflammatory conditions such as obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Senescence is also implicated in arthritis, osteoporosis and atherosclerosis (stiffening of the arteries), as well as in neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s. (4)
To maintain good health for as long as possible, the most important recommendation is still to adopt a sensible lifestyle. But particularly promising molecules called senolytics might also play a positive role in the future. (5) An emerging area of anti-ageing research for some years now, these compounds could work against senescence and thus slow down the ageing process.
Offering potential for preventing the above-mentioned diseases, these senolytics include molecules already present in nature, the most promising of which have been identified as:
They are also available in supplement form (such as Fisetin and Senolytic Complex): an invaluable aid to slowing down the ageing process!
A number of proteins and amino acids are being studied for their potential effects on human longevity. Here we take a look at 3 key anti-ageing proteins and the various ways they can be used to help ‘hold back time’.
Mitochondria (the cells’ power plants) deteriorate with age but you can help take care of yours and slow down the ageing process with our tips and natural remedies.
Does a dietary supplement past its expiry date necessarily have to be thrown away? Read on for the answers.
Telomerase, also known as the ‘immortality enzyme’, is known to hold back ageing. How does it work and what should you eat to stimulate its production?
Did you know it’s possible to significantly slow down ageing of the skin? Here are 6 practical (and natural) techniques for combatting skin ageing.
Many men are affected by erectile dysfunction, particularly after the age of 40. What causes such problems and can they be overcome using natural remedies?