Senolytic Treatment Improves Responsiveness To Mechanical Loading In The Skeleton Of Aged Mice
As we age, our bones often become less responsive to the beneficial effects of exercise and physical activity. This means that even with regular movement, older individuals might not build bone as effectively as younger ones. A key reason for this decline appears to be the accumulation of “senescent cells” in our tissues. These are often called “zombie cells” because they stop dividing, resist natural cell death, and release a cocktail of harmful substances that can damage surrounding healthy cells and contribute to aging-related problems.
Recent research has explored whether clearing these senescent cells could help restore the skeleton’s ability to respond to mechanical forces, like those experienced during exercise. Scientists used a special type of drug, known as a senolytic, which is designed to selectively eliminate these problematic senescent cells without harming healthy ones. In a study involving aged mice, a combination of two senolytic drugs was administered.
The findings showed that this treatment significantly improved the bone-building response to mechanical loading in the older mice. Specifically, the inner surface of their bones showed nearly double the bone formation compared to untreated mice when subjected to physical stress. This suggests that by removing these “zombie cells,” the bone tissue becomes more receptive to the signals that promote growth and strength. This discovery opens up exciting possibilities for developing new strategies to combat age-related bone loss and improve skeletal health, potentially making exercise more effective for maintaining strong bones as we get older.
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