The Promise of Senolytics to Treat Aging with Dr. James L. Kirkland

In this episode, renowned aging researcher Dr. James L. Kirkland discusses cutting-edge research on cellular senescence and senolytics in aging. He explains how senescent cells accumulate over time, accelerating aging and contributing to age-related diseases. Dr. Kirkland highlights the potential of senolytic drugs to selectively eliminate these cells, potentially delaying or preventing age-related conditions such as osteoarthritis, Alzheimer's disease, and even the impact of coronavirus infections. The episode explores challenges with senolytic therapies and how senolytic research could extend healthspan and potentially address the societal challenges of an aging population. Note: This lecture was recorded in February 2023. Learn more about Dr. James L. Kirkland’s work: https://www.mayo.edu/research/faculty/kirkland-james-l-m-d-ph-d/bio-00096544 Learn more about Dr. David Dodick: https://www.atria.org/doctors/dr-david-w-dodick/ Time stamps: 00:00:17: Intro 00:03:05: Dr. James Kirkland on why geroscience is focused on improving healthspan as opposed to lifespan 00:05:30: The factors that impact the rate of aging 00:09:00: Cellular senescence explained 00:18:38: Developing drugs for cellular senescence 00:24:01: The role of senescent cells in pregnancy 00:24:44: Challenges to developing senolytics 00:25:36: Experimentation with senescent cells in mice 00:30:45: The spread of senescence in obesity and its effects on the brain 00:32:43: How senescent cells interact with SARS-CoV-2 00:35:20: Efforts to translate senolytic drugs to humans 00:42:00: Gerogiagnostics: Developing biomarkers that can guide interventions for targeting aging 00:46:00: Alpha-Klotho protein as a geroprotective factor and its relation to senolytics 00:48:30: Risks and benefits of clinical trials for people with serious conditions 00:53:00: The impact of senescence on childhood cancer survivors and the promise for other conditions beyond old age 00:54:44: Trials related to space travel 00:57:02: Conclusions on persistent senescent cells in animals and progress in human trials — About: Atria’s Vanguard Symposia is a lecture series where some of the world’s most compelling researchers translate leading-edge science into medicine. In each episode, top experts share breakthrough science about preventive health care, dive deep into headline-grabbing topics, and take you beyond the buzzwords to explain the latest in longevity science. Our show will arm you with practical information and the tools of discernment to cut through the hype and understand what matters most. Atria Health and Research Institute aims to accelerate a global shift from reactive sick care to proactive, preventive health care. We work at the forefront of science and technology and we believe a collaborative approach to modern medicine can extend healthy life for all. Learn more: https://www.atria.org/ Subscribe to Atria’s Vanguard Symposia on: Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/AtriaVanguardApplePodcasts Spotify: https://bit.ly/AtriaVanguardSpotify Sign up for our newsletter: https://bit.ly/Atria-Newsletter The information contained in this podcast is for general informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute or serve as a substitute for professional medical advice, treatment, or diagnosis. Always consult the advice of your personal health care provider when seeking medical advice for any condition you may have, and never delay treatment or disregard advice from a professional health care provider based on something you have seen or heard in this content. No part of this podcast can be reproduced, redistributed, published, copied or duplicated in any form without the prior written permission of Atria.