Scientists at the Mayo Clinic have found that senescent cells, that is, aged cells that have stopped dividing and secrete pro-inflammatory substances, contribute to dementia. Biologists have managed to prevent their appearance and stop the death of neurons associated with the development of dementia. This is reported in MedicalXpress.
During the study, the researchers used genetically modified mice susceptible to accumulation of tau proteins that form neurofibrillary tangles, which are found in Alzheimer's disease. In addition, in a number of rodents, pathways promoting the death of senescent cells were activated. In this case, the animals disappeared signs of inflammation, no accumulations of tau proteins were formed, and the brain mass remained within normal limits.
Scientists found that senescent cells of the central nervous system (CNS) were of two types - microglia and astrocytes. Microglia are immune cells (resident macrophages) that almost do not participate in the fight against infectious agents, but they contribute to the destruction of damaged neurons and other components of the central nervous system. Astrocytes support neurons, regulate nutrient supply and nerve tissue growth.