Origin of Senotherapeutics

Aging is characterized as a biological dysfunction of an organism and is a major cause of illness in humans. Cellular senescence emerges as a result of both internal and extrinsic causes during the aging process, including oxidative stress, oncogene activation, and DNA damage caused by radiation. These senescent cells proliferate throughout several tissues and display a variety of harmful phenotypes, including cellular flattening, hypertrophy, apoptosis resistance, and the generation of senescence-associated secretory phenotypes. Additionally, they cause injury to nearby cells and disrupt the microenvironment, which can lead to the development of chronic illnesses like diabetes, cancer, and neurological disorders. As a result, senotherapeutics—pharmacological therapies that target senescent cells—have been thoroughly researched. This chapter explores the historical development, scientific foundations, and therapeutic potential of senotherapeutics. It delves into the conceptual evolution from the discovery of cellular senescence to the identification of compounds capable of selectively eliminating senescent cells, referred as senolytics, and modulating their harmful effects without destroying the cells referred as senomorphics. By elucidating the mechanisms underlying cellular senescence and the pharmacological interventions designed to address it, this chapter provides a comprehensive overview of how senotherapeutics emerged as a promising avenue for promoting health span and longevity.