Lipofuscinijäämät

Lipofuscinijäämät, often referred to as lipofuscin, are aggregates of waste material that accumulate in cells, particularly in long-lived, non-dividing cells like neurons and cardiomyocytes. These granular cytoplasmic inclusions are a byproduct of oxidative stress and lysosomal degradation of cellular components, particularly lipids and proteins. As cells age and are exposed to environmental toxins or metabolic byproducts, their ability to clear damaged material diminishes, leading to the gradual buildup of lipofuscin. The accumulation is generally considered an indicator of cellular aging and oxidative damage. While lipofuscin itself is relatively inert, high concentrations can potentially impair cellular function by displacing organelles or interfering with cellular processes. It is often visualized as yellowish-brown pigment under a microscope. The exact functional consequences of lipofuscin accumulation are still an area of active research, with varying roles proposed depending on the cell type and organism. In some contexts, it is viewed as a marker of cellular senescence, while in others, its direct impact on cell health is debated.