Magdalena Emila Jurzak

Senoprevention and senotherapy – new pharmacological strategies for age-related diseases?

 

2025-12-01

Senoprevention and senotherapy – new pharmacological strategies for age-related diseases?

Aging is a process that depends on many factors, and the characteristic features of aging manifest themselves at three different levels: molecular, cellular, and systemic. Cell senescence is a complex process regulated by genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors, characterizing many types of somatic cells. There are many markers of cell senescence, both at the molecular and biochemical levels. Senescent cells exhibit a specific senescence‑associated secretory phenotype (SASP). The components of SASP are mainly pro‑inflammatory molecules and proteolytic enzymes. The accumulation of senescent cells in the body causes chronic, low‑grade systemic inflammation and contributes to the development of age‑related diseases/pathologies. Most of the therapeutic agents currently being developed to combat age-related diseases/pathologies act on senescent cells (senotherapy). Senotherapeutics are compounds that specifically target senescent cells or block the formation and secretion of SASP components. Senomorphics: rapamycin, resveratrol, epigallocatechin 3-gallate, metformin, and ruxolitinib, block SASP without eliminating senescent cells, indirectly inhibiting the aging process. Senolytics (quercetin, fisetin, curcumin, piperlongumine, and ouabain) eliminate senescent cells, usually by inducing apoptosis. In addition, there are many synthetic molecules with senotherapeutic properties that have different targets in senescent cells: sirtuin activators, Bcl-2 family protein inhibitors, heat shock protein inhibitors, histone deacetylase inhibitors, p53 binding inhibitors, or mitochondria‑targeted tamoxifen. In addition, certain dietary components, such as foods rich in polyphenols, vitamin C, or carotenoids, olive oil, seeds, nuts, and legumes, may play an important role as modulators of the aging process of the body and cells, preventing oxidative stress, DNA damage, inflammation, and age-related diseases (cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and neurodegenerative diseases).

Keywords: cell senescence, SASP, senomorphics, senolytics.

© Farm Pol, 2025, 81(3): 171–184