Cellular Aging as a Breakdown in Hormone Signaling

Cellular senescence may alter hormone production and communication in various endocrine organs.

• Senescence can change the identity and function of endocrine cells, affecting hormone output.
• In pancreatic beta-cells and adrenal glands, senescence is linked to endocrine dysfunction.
• Some senescent beta-cells may continue to produce insulin and prevent immune damage, while others can cause inflammation.
• Evidence from the pituitary and thyroid indicates narrower mechanisms of senescence impact.
• No universal marker for identifying endocrine senescence across different tissues currently exists.
• Therapeutic approaches to target endocrine senescence are still primarily at the preclinical stage.

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