Cellular senescence is a state of cell cycle arrest that occurs in response to various stressors, including DNA damage, telomere erosion, and oncogene activation. Senescent cells accumulate with age and have been implicated in the development of age-related diseases, such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, and neurodegeneration. As such, there has been growing interest in developing interventions that can target senescent cells in order to promote healthy aging.
Fisetin as a senolytic agent
One promising candidate for targeting senescent cells is the flavonoid fisetin. Fisetin is a natural compound found in a variety of fruits and vegetables, including strawberries, apples, persimmons, and onions. It has been shown to have a variety of beneficial effects on health, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties.
Fisetin has also been shown to have senolytic activity, meaning that it can selectively induce the death of senescent cells. This has been demonstrated in both in vitro and in vivo studies using animal models. For example, a study published in the journal Aging found that fisetin treatment reduced the number of senescent cells in a mouse model of accelerated aging. Another study published in the journal Oncogene found that fisetin treatment reduced the accumulation of senescent cells in a mouse model of cancer.
Fisetin and age-related diseases
The senolytic activity of fisetin has led to its investigation as a potential intervention for age-related diseases. For example, a study published in the journal Aging and Mechanisms of Disease found that fisetin treatment improved cardiovascular function in a mouse model of aging. Another study published in the journal Aging Cell found that fisetin treatment improved physical function and increased lifespan in a mouse model of frailty.
Fisetin has also been investigated as a potential intervention for cancer. A study published in the journal Oncogene found that fisetin treatment reduced the growth of prostate cancer cells in vitro. Another study published in the journal Cancer Research found that fisetin treatment inhibited the growth of breast cancer cells in vivo.
Fisetin and neurodegeneration
In addition to its effects on aging and cancer, fisetin has also been investigated for its potential to protect against neurodegeneration. A study published in the journal Aging and Mechanisms of Disease found that fisetin treatment improved cognitive function in a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease. Another study published in the journal Neurobiology of Aging found that fisetin treatment protected against oxidative stress-induced neuron death in vitro.
Safety and dosage of fisetin
Fisetin has a good safety profile and has been shown to be well-tolerated in animal studies. However, more research is needed to determine the optimal dosage and long-term safety of fisetin in humans.
Conclusion
Overall, the evidence suggests that fisetin may have potential as a senolytic agent and may be useful for the prevention or treatment of age-related diseases, such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, and neurodegeneration. However, more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms by which fisetin exerts its effects and to determine the optimal dosage and long-term safety of fisetin in humans.
