More and more scientists are investigating cellular senescence, a state in which cells no longer divide.
Senescent cells that accumulate in the body of older people are associated with age-related conditions such as dementia and cardiovascular disease.
Scientists are investigating drugs that target senescent cells. But exercise is the most promising tool against the negative effects of senescent cells, according to experts.
“Very Hot Topic”
Viviana Perez Montes of the National Institutes of Health describes cellular senescence as “a very hot topicThe Associated Press reports that approximately 11,500 projects on cellular senescence have been initiated since 1985. The AP report is based on research from the NIH research database. A number of projects have been launched in recent years, according to the report.
Such studies are based on the idea that cells stop dividing and enter a state of ‘senescence’ in response to injury. The body excretes most of these cells.
But others remain in the body. They can harm nearby cells, says Mayo Clinic’s Nathan Lebrasseur. He likened it to how one bad fruit ruins a container full of fruit.
But scientists are wondering: Can we stop the unhealthy accumulation of senescent cells?
“The ability to understand aging….it’s really the best” chance Perhaps historically Transform Human health,” says Lebrasseur. Increasing healthy life expectancy has implications for “quality of life” and “public health,” he said.
The population over the age of 65 is expected to double globally by 2050.
No one thinks aging is the key to super longevity, but Christopher Wiley, a researcher at Tufts University, hopes one day fewer people will suffer like their grandfather before they die. He had Alzheimer’s disease.
“I’m not looking for fountain of youth‘ says Wiley. “I’m looking for a spring that won’t make me sick even when I’m old.”
drugs
About 100 companies and academic groups are investigating drugs that target senescent cells.
Scientists have noted that aging cells can be helpful. This process was probably developed at least in part to suppress cancer development. Cellular senescence occurs throughout our lives, caused by DNA damage and shortening of telomeres, the structures that protect the ends of chromosomes. Senescent cells play a role in wound healing, embryonic development, and parturition.
However, problems can arise when senescent cells accumulate.
“When we are young, our immune system can recognize and eliminate these senescent cells,” says Perez, who studies cell biology and aging. To borrow “the activity of our immune system Diminishedso we are losing capacity to eliminate them. ”
Experimental drugs designed to wipe out senescent cells are called “senolytics.” It has been shown to be effective in delaying, preventing, and alleviating several age-related disorders in mice.
at least 12 clinical Trials using Senoritics are currently testing whether the drug can help control Alzheimer’s disease, improve skeletal health, and more.
We still have a lot to learn.
exercise
Today, Lebrasseur, who heads the Center for Aging Research at Mayo University, says exercise is “the most promising tool we have” for health in old age, and its power extends to our cells. .
Studies show that exercise counteracts the buildup of senescent cells, helping the immune system to remove them and fight molecular damage that can affect the aging process.
Last year, LeBrasseur led a study that provided the first evidence in humans that exercise has a profound effect on processes. It reduced blood flow signs of the effects of senescent cells in the body.
After a 12-week exercise program, researchers found that older adults had reduced signs of aging and improved muscle strength, physical performance, and reported health. More evidence is being collected in animals and humans for exercise as a targeted therapy.
Although such studies are not well known outside the scientific community, many older adults associate exercise with youthfulness.
81-year-old rancher Mike Gale set up a track and field pitching circle on his sprawling California property. He and some of his friends throw discus and use other exercise equipment.
“I want to compete in my 90s,” says Gale. “Why not?”
Richard Soller, 95, says exercise has kept him fit enough to cope with what happened to him, including discovering his wife of 62 had Alzheimer’s disease. The two sometimes hold hands as they walk down the neighborhood streets.
“Do what you can,” he says. “Staying healthy should be a goal for everyone.”
I’m John Russell.
My name is Ashlee Thompson.
Laura Ungar reported on this article in AP. John Russell adopted it for VOA Learning English.
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the words of this story
topic –n. someone or something that people speak or write about
chance –n. a time or situation in which something can be done
Transform –v. to change (something) completely, usually in a good way
fountain of youth – Expression A legendary fountain that grants eternal youth to those who drink it
Decrease –v. cause or reduce the size, importance, etc. of (something).
capacity –n. ability to do something: mental, emotional, or physical ability
clinical – adjective Relating to or based on work performed on actual patients: of or relating to treatments performed on patients in hospitals, clinics, etc.
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