Senolytic Reduction Of Senescent Cells Mitigates Atrial Arrhythmia Vulnerability In Aging Rabbits
As we age, our bodies undergo various changes, and one significant factor contributing to age-related diseases is the accumulation of “senescent cells.” These are cells that have stopped dividing but remain metabolically active, often releasing harmful substances that promote inflammation and damage surrounding tissues. This process, known as the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), plays a crucial role in many age-related conditions, including heart problems.
One common heart condition in older adults is atrial fibrillation (AF), an irregular and often rapid heart rate that can lead to serious complications like stroke. Research has shown that inflammation is a key player in the development of AF.
A recent study investigated the link between senescent cells and AF vulnerability in aging rabbits. The findings revealed that older rabbits had an increased number of senescent cells in their heart’s upper chambers (atria), along with electrical abnormalities that made them more prone to AF. These observations mirror what is often seen in elderly human hearts.
Crucially, when these aging rabbits were treated with a “senolytic” compound—a type of drug designed to selectively eliminate senescent cells—most of the senescent cells in their atria were removed. This treatment led to a significant reduction in the rabbits’ susceptibility to AF and decreased abnormal electrical activity, all without negatively impacting normal heart function.
These results suggest a promising new approach: by targeting and clearing out these problematic senescent cells, it might be possible to prevent or reduce the risk of age-related atrial fibrillation. This opens up exciting possibilities for developing new therapies to maintain heart health as we get older.
Source: link to paper