Recent research shows that a protein produced by ageing cells negatively affects the functioning of bone tissue. This protein, called thrombospondin-1, causes immune cells to function less effectively and cause more inflammation. Inflammation plays a major role in the delayed repair of bones after damage.
As we get older, these aged or ‘senescent’ cells accumulate in our bodies. They release various substances that disrupt tissue repair. Thrombospondin-1 is an example of such a substance that damages the powerhouses (mitochondria) in immune cells. As a result, the body receives signals to remain inflamed for a prolonged period, which hinders bone repair.
The presence of these harmful cells is a major cause of the reduced ability of bones to regenerate in older people. That partly explains why bone fractures in older people take longer to heal. Scientists hope to develop medicines in the future that can reduce these senescent cells or their harmful substances.
For people who want to age healthily, this research underlines the importance of limiting chronic inflammation. Healthy lifestyle choices may help to slow down the effects of ageing on bones.
Source: Reason
