Mouse Study Identifies Role of Senescent Cells in Post-Surgical Delirium Among Elderly
Recent research involving aged mice has shed light on the connection between cellular senescence and post-operative cognitive complications in elderly individuals. The study, published in PNAS Nexus, investigated how senescent cells contribute to neuroinflammation following surgery. Cellular senescence is a natural biological process where cells cease to divide in response to stress, but these cells can secrete pro-inflammatory factors that may harm surrounding tissues, including the brain. This cellular activity has been linked to age-related neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's disease.
In this study, aged mice underwent tibial fracture surgery, which resulted in a significant buildup of senescent cells in the hippocampus, a critical brain area involved in memory and cognition. To explore potential interventions, some mice received a combination of Dasatinib and Quercetin—drugs known to clear senescent cells. Remarkably, treated mice exhibited notably reduced neuroinflammation compared to those that did not receive the treatment. These findings suggest that senescent cells play a substantial role in the neuroinflammatory response associated with surgery in the elderly.
The implications of this research are significant, pointing toward the development of new therapeutic strategies aimed at preventing post-surgical delirium and related cognitive decline in older populations. Future therapies targeting senescent cells could improve recovery outcomes and cognitive health in seniors facing surgical procedures.
Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-04-mouse-links-senescent-cells-surgical.html
Stay Updated with Mia's Feed
Get the latest health & wellness insights delivered straight to your inbox.
Related Articles
Study Reveals Vaping's Higher Potential for Dependency Compared to Nicotine Gum
New research shows that pod-style electronic cigarettes are more addictive than nicotine gum, posing a higher risk of dependency, especially among youth and nonsmokers.
New Therapeutic Target Could Prevent Transition from Chronic Gut Inflammation to Cancer
Researchers at Charité Berlin have identified a new immune pathway involving interleukin-22 and oncostatin M that could lead to targeted therapies for preventing cancer in chronic gut inflammation cases, offering hope for high-risk patients.
Innovative Far-Red Dopamine Sensor Enables Real-Time Brain Imaging
A team from Peking University has developed a pioneering far-red fluorescent dopamine sensor that enables real-time, multiplex imaging of neurochemicals in the living brain, advancing neuroscience research.
Identification of PTX-3 as a Potential Biomarker for Long COVID Development
Research identifies PTX-3 as a promising biomarker for long COVID, showing prolonged elevation in severe cases months after infection. This finding could improve long-term COVID management and detection of ongoing tissue damage.