Aging, Chronic Inflammation, and Cancer

Aging is one of the most significant risk factors for various diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and neurological disorders. Cellular senescence, one of the factors regulating aging, is induced by DNA damage and oxidative stress, and is characterized by irreversible cell cycle arrest and excessive secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines. The secretion of inflammatory factors induces chronic inflammation in the microenvironment of tissues and organs, potentially leading to the development of various geriatric diseases and age-related functional deterioration of organs. In this context,"senolysis," the selective elimination of senescent or other inflammation-inducing cells, has emerged as a promising strategy to suppress chronic inflammation. Additionally,"senomorphics,"which aim to suppress inflammatory factors secreted by these cells, are also under investigation. These approaches are expected to help prevent the onset of age-related diseases and extend healthy lifespan. However, several challenges remain, including the heterogeneity of inflammation-inducing cells and the potential disruption of beneficial processes such as tissue repair. Therefore, the stratification of target inflammation-inducing cell populations is a key issue for future research.