Exploring Senescence Markers As Potential Drivers Of Osteoarthritis Pain In Aging Adults
As we age, some of our cells stop dividing but don’t die off, instead accumulating in tissues. These “senescent cells” can become problematic, especially in conditions like osteoarthritis, a common joint disease that causes persistent pain and limits movement. These cells don’t just sit there; they release a cocktail of inflammatory substances, a process scientists call the “senescence-associated secretory phenotype,” or SASP. These substances can worsen joint degeneration and make pain receptors in the body more sensitive, contributing to the chronic pain experienced by individuals with osteoarthritis. Understanding this connection between aging cells, inflammation, and pain is crucial. Researchers believe that by exploring these cellular processes, we can identify new ways to manage and treat osteoarthritis pain, potentially even through developing therapies that specifically target and remove these troublesome senescent cells.
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