With aging, more and more senescent cells accumulate in our bodies. These cells no longer function properly and contribute to inflammation that accelerates the aging process. Such inflammation increases our risk of developing age-related diseases and impairs our bodily functions.
Scientists have now discovered a small piece of hereditary material, a so-called microRNA, that can reduce the harmful signals from these senescent cells. This microRNA acts as a kind of brake, causing the inflammation to subside and the negative impact on body tissues to become less. This is particularly interesting because it does not remove the cells themselves, but suppresses their adverse effects.
This discovery stems from research into ways to make the side effects of cancer treatments less harmful. Those treatments often cause an increase in the number of senescent cells. Reducing their harmful signals can thus contribute to better health after such a severe treatment.
Research into counteracting the aging process focuses on various methods. Some therapies slow the production of senescent cells, while others remove these cells. The new microRNA therapy belongs to a third category that targets the suppression of harmful signals without killing the cells themselves.
For anyone who wants to grow older in a healthy way, this discovery is promising. In the future, it could contribute to fewer chronic inflammations and a better quality of life in later life.
Source: Reason
