As we age, our cells undergo stress and damage. This can
lead to the development of “zombie cells” – senescent cells that no
longer perform their intended functions. These zombie cells can cause
inflammation and accelerate the aging process. In this blog post, we will
discuss the science of getting rid of zombie cells and slowing down aging. We
will also look briefly at some of the latest advances in regenerative medicine
that may help us live a healthier life as we age!
It is well known that with the advances in healthcare and
the discovery of vaccines, antibiotics, medications and the germ theory, we are
able to live longer. However, our cells still experience stress and damage as
we age. This can lead to the development of senescent cells – “zombie
cells” that no longer perform their intended functions. These zombie cells
can cause inflammation and accelerate the aging process.
Good Zombie Cells
Zombie aka senescent cells are not all evil. In fact, they
serve an important purpose when we are young. They are responsible for helping
the baby get through the birth canal. They also play a role in wound healing
and preventing the growth of cancer cells. The problem arises when the
senescent cell population starts to outgrow the healthy cells and our immune
system is unable to get rid of them. This is when age-related changes such as
diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, pulmonary fibrosis, frailty, and other diseases
start to develop.
There is a growing body of evidence that suggests that
clearing out these zombie cells may help to slow down aging and improve health.
In one study, mice that were genetically engineered to lack senescent cells
showed signs of improved health and longevity. In another study, the injection
of a senolytic drug (a drug that kills senescent cells) was found to improve
the health of aging mice.
Senolytic Drugs
There are many ongoing clinical trials testing the efficacy
of senolytic drugs in humans. If these drugs are found to be safe and
effective, they could have a major impact on the way we treat aging and
age-related diseases. In addition to senolytic drugs, there are also other
promising approaches in regenerative medicine that may help us live healthier
lives as we age. These include stem cell therapy, gene therapy, and
regenerative tissue engineering.
Regenerative Medicine
In order to slow down aging and get rid of these senescent
cells, we need to understand more about regenerative medicine. This is a field
of science that is focused on helping us humans live a healthier life as we
age. Some of the latest advances in regenerative medicine include the discovery
of new ways to repair our cells and the development of new medications that can
help slow down aging.
Lifestyle Medicine
Lifestyle medicine is also playing a role in helping us age
in a healthy way. This is a branch of medicine that focuses on preventing
disease and promoting health through lifestyle changes. Some simple lifestyle
changes that can help promote aging in a healthy way include eating a healthy
diet, maintaining a healthy weight, getting regular exercise, and getting
enough sleep, not smoking and limiting alcohol intake
These are just some of the lifestyle changes that you can
make to help slow down aging. By making these changes, you can help reduce
stress on your cells and prevent the development of senescent cells. In
addition, you can also help reduce inflammation and the risk of age-related
diseases. By understanding the science of aging and taking steps to promote
aging in a healthy way, we can all live longer and healthier lives!
While the science of aging is still evolving, there are many
exciting discoveries being made that could have a major impact on the way we
age. In this blog post, we have discussed the science of getting rid of zombie
cells and slowing down aging. We have also looked at some of the latest
advances in regenerative medicine that may help us live a healthier life as we
age!
Author: Dr. Suzanne Ben-Kane MD, MBA, MPH
Board Certified Internal Medicine Doctor
Regenerative Medicine
1920 4th St N
St. Petersburg, FL 33704
(727)-498-6992
