Weefselveroudering

Weefselveroudering, also known as senescence, is a biological process that occurs in multicellular organisms, including humans. It is characterized by a progressive decline in the functionality of cells, tissues, and organs over time. This process is a normal part of aging and is driven by various factors, including genetic mutations, telomere shortening, and the accumulation of damage from oxidative stress and other environmental factors.

Senescent cells exhibit several hallmarks, such as increased size, altered morphology, and the expression of specific senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) genes. These genes encode proteins that can influence the surrounding microenvironment, potentially contributing to age-related diseases and tissue dysfunction.

Weefselveroudering is closely linked to the hallmarks of aging, as described by the Harvard Aging Project. These hallmarks include genomic instability, epigenetic alterations, loss of proteostasis, deregulated nutrient sensing, mitochondrial dysfunction, cellular senescence, stem cell exhaustion, altered intercellular communication, and chronic inflammation.

Interventions targeting weefselveroudering are an active area of research. Strategies include the development of senolytic drugs that selectively eliminate senescent cells, the use of senescent cell modulators to alter their function, and the identification of compounds that can reverse or delay the senescence process. Understanding the mechanisms underlying weefselveroudering and developing targeted therapies hold promise for improving healthspan and mitigating age-related diseases.