Drugs against dysfunctional cells would improve the lives of the elderly

The use of senolitics could help relieve physical dysfunction and frailty in older adults, as well as provide them with greater self-sufficiency in the twilight of their lives, according to a study in mice that were transplanted senescent cells, let's say those who have stopped working or dividing.

Researchers at Mayo Clinic and collaborators at universities in different countries have shown that the presence of senescence or dysfunctional cells can age mice faster. However, the administration of senolitic drugs to eliminate these malicious cells, has improved their health and prolonged their lives.

They transplanted senescent cells into young mice and into a group of mature mice with natural aging. Transplantation, although in small amounts, was sufficient to cause frailty in mice and reduce their survival.

These effects were shown with fewer dysfunctional cells in older mice than in younger ones, as well as in rodents fed fat, which means that obesity aggravates the aging process.

Also, in the study, it was observed that in mice with natural aging, which equates to 80 human years; When administered orally a mixture of senolíticos (drugs that induce the death of dysfunctional cells) there was an improvement in their physical function.

In this case, the drug was a mixture of dasatinib, which promotes the death of cancer cells, and quercetin, an antioxidant found in apples and other foods.

Mice could run better on the treadmill and maintain greater grip strength, in addition to doing more daily activity. Their lifespan has lasted 36%, compared to the standard for this type of animal, without being at the cost of a prolonged period of fragility towards the end of life.

Similarly, Deaths Due to Disease Age-related events occurred later and, in general, the cause of death was old age, rather than some of these diseases, including cancer.

In addition, the researchers pointed out: "Senolitics removes human senescent cells in 48 hours in fat samples obtained directly from the operating room."

The team led by James Kirkland Mayo Clinic Geriatric Researcher and Director of the Kogod Center for Aging, warned that people should not receive these senolíticas substances until its safety and effectiveness in clinical trials are demonstrated first.

However, they emphasized that if they were effective and safe, they relieve physical dysfunction and frailty in the elderly, and simultaneously provide them with more self-sufficiency in the twilight of their lives.

NTX / MPG / VLU