Active Magnesium Boride/Alginate Hydrogels Rejuvenate Senescent Cells

Abstract

High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide The clearance of senescent cells may be detrimental to low cell density diseases, such as intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD), and rejuvenating these cells presents a formidable obstacle. In this study, we investigate a mild-alkalization strategy employing magnesium boride-alginate (MB-ALG) hydrogels to rejuvenate senescent cells associated with age-related diseases. MB-ALG hydrogels proficiently ensnare senescent cells owing to their surface roughness. The hydrolysis of MB-ALG hydrogels liberates hydroxide ions (OH – ), effecting a transition from an acidic microenvironment (pH ∼ 6.2) to a mildly alkaline state (pH ∼ 8.0), thereby fostering senescent cell proliferation via activation of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway. Additionally, H 2 aids in ROS clearance, which reduces cellular oxidative stress. And, Mg 2+ rejuvenates senescent cells by inhibiting Ca 2+ influx and fine-tuning the sirt1-p53 signaling pathways. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments conducted on rat intervertebral discs corroborate the sustained antisenescence and rejuvenation properties of MB-ALG hydrogels, with effects persisting for up to 12 weeks postoperation. These discoveries elucidate the role of mild-alkalization in dictating cellular destiny and provide key insights for addressing age-related diseases.