Autophagy, Cellular Senescence And Oxidative Stress In Ageing And Age-Related Diseases
Our bodies are constantly working to maintain themselves, and two key processes are crucial for healthy aging: cellular recycling and managing cellular stress. Cellular recycling, known as autophagy, is like a clean-up crew that removes damaged cell parts and waste, keeping our cells functioning optimally. When this process falters, it can lead to a buildup of cellular junk, contributing to aging and various diseases.
Another important factor is cellular senescence, where cells stop dividing and accumulate, releasing signals that can harm surrounding tissues. This “aged” state of cells is a major contributor to the decline seen with aging.
Finally, oxidative stress, caused by an imbalance of reactive molecules in our cells, acts as a significant driver of cellular damage, impacting both cellular recycling and promoting cellular senescence. Understanding how these three processes—cellular recycling, cell aging, and oxidative stress—are interconnected is vital. Research in this area aims to uncover new ways to intervene and potentially delay aging and prevent age-related illnesses by targeting these fundamental cellular mechanisms.
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