After a heart attack, cells in the heart sometimes enter a senescent state. This means that they stop dividing, but do not disappear. In young and healthy bodily conditions, these cells aid recovery by sending signals to immune cells and stem cells. In this way, they contribute to the creation of new tissue at the site of the damage.
With ageing or in the case of severe damage, these senescent cells persist more frequently and for longer periods. This causes them to continue releasing harmful substances. Instead of stimulating recovery, they thus worsen inflammation and cardiac dysfunction. As a result, recovery after a heart attack can be less successful.
Researchers are now looking into treatment methods that can clear out these harmful cells in a targeted manner. Such agents, called senolytics, clear away the senescent cells and thereby prevent further damage. It is important that this treatment is given at the right time after the heart attack so that recovery proceeds as well as possible.
This research is promising for the future of older people who want to recover faster and better after a heart attack. It helps us to better understand how the body changes over time and which treatments might be suitable.
Source: Reason
