Autophagy is a cellular process crucial in maintaining cellular health and homeostasis (balance). The term “autophagy” is derived from the Greek words “auto” (meaning self) and “phagy” (meaning eating), reflecting the process of a cell digesting its own components. It is a tightly regulated process that removes and recycles damaged or dysfunctional cellular components. 

As a person ages, the body’s ability to efficiently remove old or dysfunctional cells declines, and senescent (zombie) cells develop. When a cell becomes senescent, it no longer participates in the cell cycle, and its primary function shifts to a senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). Instead of undergoing programmed cell death (apoptosis), senescent cells persist in the body, contributing to various aging and age-related diseases.

Function and Dysfunction of Senescent Cells

Loss of Cell Proliferation: Senescent cells no longer divide and contribute to tissue repair and regeneration, which can lead to a decline in the body’s ability to replace damaged or dead cells.

Inflammatory Response: Senescent cells can secrete various bioactive molecules, collectively known as the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). The SASP includes pro-inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors, which can induce inflammation. Chronic inflammation is associated with various age-related diseases, such as arthritis, neurodegenerative diseases, and cardiovascular diseases.

Tissue Dysfunction: The accumulation of senescent cells in tissues can contribute to tissue dysfunction and impair organ function. 

Contribution to Aging: The accumulation of senescent cells is associated with aging. As individuals age, there is an increase in the number of senescent cells in various tissues, contributing to the aging process and the development of age-related diseases.

Cancer Promotion: While senescence can act as a tumor-suppressive mechanism by preventing the proliferation of damaged cells, it can also promote cancer in some cases. Senescent cells can secrete factors that stimulate the growth of neighboring cells, including potentially cancerous ones.

Impaired Immune Function: Senescence can affect the function of immune cells, leading to a decline in the immune response, making the organism more susceptible to infections and other health issues.

Autophagy

Autophagy is a housekeeping mechanism that removes damaged organelles, misfolded proteins, and other cellular debris, including some senescent cells. It’s important to note that the complete elimination of senescent cells often requires additional mechanisms. Various stressors, such as nutrient deprivation, oxidative stress, and the presence of damaged cellular components, can induce it.

The Solution to Increase Autophagy

Several studies have suggested that fasting 24-72 hours, intermittent fasting, caloric restriction, and other forms of dietary restriction can enhance autophagic activity. During fasting, the body experiences a reduction in nutrient availability, primarily glucose and amino acids. In response to this scarcity, cells activate autophagy as a survival mechanism to generate energy and provide essential building blocks for cellular maintenance. Increased autophagy contributes to health benefits, including improved metabolic health, enhanced cellular repair, and potentially a reduced risk of certain age-related diseases.

Please participate in our weight loss course to learn how fasting can help you turn on the autophagy process.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3669198/#:~:text=Autophagy%20and%20senescence%20share%20a,telomere%20shortening%20and%20oncogene%20activation.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5638768/

https://www.nature.com/articles/s43587-021-00121-8

https://febs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/1878-0261.13269