As we grow older, an increasing number of senescent cells accumulate in our bodies. These are cells that no longer divide, but instead secrete substances that trigger an inflammatory response. These long-term inflammations can disrupt the structure and function of tissues. Normally, our immune system clears away these cells, but this clearance becomes slower as a person gets older.
Researchers have now developed a new way to measure the amount of senescent cells in the body. They do this by analysing blood samples for proteins that these cells release. Using this method, they create a kind of score that indicates how heavily the body is burdened with these “old” cells. Remarkably, this score is also related to the risk of death.
The importance of reliable measurement of senescent cells is significant. It can help in assessing a person's biological age and the health status of tissues. Such an ageing clock could be used in the future to better determine when interventions are needed to age healthily, for example with drugs that clear out senescent cells.
For people who are interested in healthy ageing, this news is encouraging. It offers a new insight into ageing and opens up prospects for better health monitoring and potential treatments that can improve quality of life in later life.
Source: Reason
