Concepedia

Senescent intimal foam cells are deleterious at all stages of atherosclerosis

Bennett G. Childs, Darren J. Baker, Tobias Wijshake, Cheryl A. Conover, Judith Campisi, Jan M. van Deursen

Science · 2016 · 1.1K citations · 20 references

Open access

TL;DR

Senescence is induced in growth‑arrested cells in response to stress, contributing to disease processes. The study examined the role of senescent lipid‑loaded macrophages (foam cells) in atherosclerosis development. The authors used mouse models to investigate senescent foam cells. Senescent foam cells drive inflammatory cytokine expression early and matrix metalloprotease expression later, contributing to plaque rupture, while their removal improves outcomes at both stages. Published in Science, this issue p.

Abstract

Wreaking havoc while (growth-)arrested Cells enter a state of senescence in response to certain stresses. Studying mouse models, Childs et al. examined the role of senescent lipid-loaded macrophages (so-called “foam cells”) in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. At early stages of atherosclerosis, senescent foam cells promoted the expression of inflammatory cytokines. At later stages, they promoted the expression of matrix metalloproteases implicated in the rupture of atherosclerotic plaque, which can lead to blood clots. Experimental removal of the senescent cells had beneficial effects at both stages of the disease. Science , this issue p. 472