Senolytics and Their Effects on Various Diseases

Senescence is the result of a process that is physiological for cells. With aging, there is an increase in the number of senescent cells in organisms, and these cells produce a number of compounds known as senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). These compounds secreted by senescent cells cause healthy cells in the microenvironment to exposure senescence. Therefore, preventing the accumulation of senescent cells in tissues is important for healthy cells. Senolytics are compounds that can specifically eliminate senescent cells. One of the most important differences between a cell in its normal physiological process and a senescent cell is that senescent cells are resistant to apoptosis. Although senolytics have different mechanisms of action, they jointly target the anti-apoptotic pathways of the cells and the compounds in these pathways, thereby enabling the senescent cells to undergo apoptosis and be destroyed. In addition, accumulation of senescent cells in tissues increases the risk of susceptibility to various chronic diseases, especially cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, cancer and kidney diseases. Therefore, it is forecasted that inhibiting the accumulation of senescent cells in tissues may reduce the risk of disease. In this review study, the effects of senolytic compound examples such as Dasatinib, Quercetin, Navitoxlac (ABT-263) and Fisetin on cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, kidney diseases and inflammation were briefly summarized.