It has been scientifically demonstrated that aging is inextricably bound up with cellular senescence - the process by which a cell ages and stops dividing without actually dying. But is it possible to slow down cellular senescence and the chronic pathologies associated with it?
To find out, we interviewed Dr Silvio Folli, who holds a PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences and a Faculty of Medicine Award from the University of Lausanne, and is a member of Clinique La Prairie’s Scientific Committee.
What is cellular senescence?
It’s a physiological process that plays a vital part in tissue development and regeneration. For instance, senescent cells help rebuild tissues and play a role in wound healing. Once their job is done, they destroy themselves and are eliminated by the immune system. As we age, these processes are perturbed, mainly as a result of chronic inflammation. This causes an increase in the number of senescent cells, which then exacerbate chronic inflammation. It’s a vicious circle. The changes involved are associated with pathologies such as high blood pressure, hyperlipidemia and hyperplasia, and over time, these gradually contribute to the development of so-called chronic diseases, which are the chief cause of illness and death in highly industrialized countries.
How can predictive, holistic medicine help?
Scientific advances have made it possible to identify the molecular mechanisms that result in aging. Numerous studies have found that aging is not inevitable and irreversible, as was previously thought. We now have a much better understanding of the genetic, epigenetic and environmental factors that influence aging. The molecular mechanisms connected with cellular senescence are sufficiently malleable for appropriate treatments and changes in lifestyle to be effective in slowing down cellular senescence and the chronic pathologies associated with it.
Clinique la prairie is a pioneer in this field. How does it apply this knowledge in practice?
Based on our knowledge, we have developed a longevity-oriented approach that works by activating the molecular mechanisms involved in tissue regeneration. This is complemented by medical, genetic and epigenetic profiling, nutrition, dietary supplements, stress management and advice on lifestyle (diet, exercise, sleep, etc.) to help slow the aging process.
Is this tantamount to a fountain of youth?
The treatments offered act favourably on the loss of information that triggers the molecular mechanisms that lead to cellular senescence and the chronic pathologies associated with it. In a way, rebooting cellular programmes that are developmentally highly conserved temporarily shuts off an unprogrammed state, meaning one that is less orderly or more chaotic, that causes cellular senescence. In that sense, yes, you could call it a fountain of youth.
All in all, longevity is primarily a matter of developing good habits.
Chronic overeating, nutritional deficiencies, lack of exercise or problems with sleep patterns can interfere with cell signalling pathways so that cells grow and divide too fast instead of withstanding stress in such a way as to help maintain and regenerate the metabolism.
Poor dietary and lifestyle choices can result in a higher proportion of senescent cells as we get older, and that can cause inflammation. Cellular imbalance is associated with chronic low-level age-related inflammation. It encourages the emergence of senescent cells and hinders their elimination by the immune system. Although senescent cells cannot divide, they secrete numerous pro-inflammatory factors that can contaminate nearby cells and transform them into senescent cells. This can lead to the development of chronic diseases that impair quality of life in old age.