What are ‘zombie’ cells and why are they a problem?

What are “zombie” cells and why are they a problem?

Imagine that in your body there are some aged and damaged cells, which we can call “zombie” cells. These no longer function correctly, cannot repair themselves, and, in addition, release substances that cause inflammation. As we age, these cells accumulate and can contribute to the appearance of diseases such as osteoporosis (fragile bones), diabetes, or Alzheimer’s disease.

What are senolytics and how can they help us?

Scientists have developed experimental drugs called “senolytics.” Their purpose is either to eliminate these “zombie” cells from the body or to make them less harmful. The main idea is not necessarily to live longer, but to live healthier for as long as possible – that is, to have a better “healthspan.” Researchers want to improve the quality of life as we age.

What’s happening in research?

• Animal and human studies: Most research on senolytics started on mice, around 2015. Now, there are also studies on humans, to see if these drugs can help with diseases like osteoarthritis (joint problems), Alzheimer’s, or even COVID-19. Some senolytics are drugs already used in cancer treatment, but adapted for this new purpose.
• A success example: A drug called foselutoclax helped patients with an eye problem caused by diabetes (diabetic macular edema) to see better. This shows that senolytics have potential.
• Combined therapies: A combination of two substances – dasatinib (a cancer drug) and quercetin (a natural substance found in fruits and vegetables), abbreviated D+Q – has shown good results in studies. It helped improve physical function and made bones stronger, especially in people who had a lot of “zombie” cells.

What are the challenges?

• Not all “zombie” cells are the same: One problem is that these damaged cells are not identical. They can be different from one organ to another (for example, those in the liver can be different from those in the lungs) and even within the same organ, there can be different types. Researchers are trying to create a “map” of these cells to understand them better.
• Some can also be good: Interestingly, not all senescent cells are bad. Some can help, for example, with wound healing. Only those that no longer function correctly and cause inflammation are a problem.

What else is being tried and what does the future hold?

• “Cocktail” approaches: The use of multiple senolytic drugs together, like a “cocktail,” is being explored to target different types of “zombie” cells and treat age-related diseases.
• The role of lifestyle: It has been observed that simple things, such as regular exercise, can reduce the number of markers of these harmful cells in older people. So, a healthy lifestyle can help.
• Optimism for the future: Researchers are optimistic. Methods are being developed to measure how “healthily” someone is aging and therapies are being created to target the aging process itself. There are also other drugs (such as GLP-1 agonists, sometimes used for diabetes and weight loss) that could change how we treat age-related diseases. There is increasing recognition that we can influence the aging process through medicine.

In short, “zombie” cells accumulate with age and can cause health problems. Senolytics are promising drugs that attempt to get rid of these cells or reduce their negative effects, with the goal of helping us live healthier, not just longer. Research is in full swing, but the results so far are encouraging.

Source Medscape