April 2024 | Manish Kumar, MD, Pengyi Yan, PhD, George A. Kuchel, MD, Ming Xu, PhD
Cellular senescence is a key contributor to cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and aging. It involves irreversible cell cycle arrest and the secretion of SASP factors, which promote inflammation and further senescent cell accumulation. Preclinical studies show that senolytic drugs, which eliminate senescent cells, can alleviate CVD in animal models. Senolytics target pathways involved in senescent cell survival, such as Bcl-2 family inhibitors and Src kinase inhibitors. They have shown promise in reducing atherosclerosis, hypertension, heart failure, arrhythmias, and valvular heart diseases by clearing senescent cells and improving tissue function. However, more research is needed to understand the mechanisms and long-term effects of senolytics in CVD. Current studies highlight the potential of targeting senescent cells to improve outcomes in aging-related cardiovascular disorders. Despite promising results, clinical trials are limited, and further investigation is required to assess the safety and efficacy of senolytic treatments in humans.Cellular senescence is a key contributor to cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and aging. It involves irreversible cell cycle arrest and the secretion of SASP factors, which promote inflammation and further senescent cell accumulation. Preclinical studies show that senolytic drugs, which eliminate senescent cells, can alleviate CVD in animal models. Senolytics target pathways involved in senescent cell survival, such as Bcl-2 family inhibitors and Src kinase inhibitors. They have shown promise in reducing atherosclerosis, hypertension, heart failure, arrhythmias, and valvular heart diseases by clearing senescent cells and improving tissue function. However, more research is needed to understand the mechanisms and long-term effects of senolytics in CVD. Current studies highlight the potential of targeting senescent cells to improve outcomes in aging-related cardiovascular disorders. Despite promising results, clinical trials are limited, and further investigation is required to assess the safety and efficacy of senolytic treatments in humans.