Brief Notes on Senolytics

Senowhat?

Senolytics are therapies that help remove senescent cells. Senescent cells are cells that have stopped dividing. They produce a harmful pro-inflammatory state called the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). As we age, senescent cells accumulate. The resulting SASP contributes to age-related deterioration. 

Example "D and Q"

One well-known senolytic approach is combining dasatinib (a chemotherapy drug) with quercetin (an antioxidant found in apple peel). This drug combination (D+Q) has yielded promising results in both mouse and clinical trials. Mouse models for osteoporosis experienced increased bone mass after D + Q administration. D+Q also increased cardiac function in both old mice and atherosclerosis (hardening of arteries) models. "D and Q" administration to patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis caused enough improvement to warrant a more expansive trial.