Cellular Senescence and Inflammation: A Noteworthy Link

Although cellular senescence and inflammation have been indirectly associated, a direct connection was absent until recently, when two studies proved that senescence at a cellular level is directly linked to an interleukin (IL)-dependent inflammatory network. IL-6 and IL-8, two well-known proinflammatory cytokines, seem to play a central role in premature cellular senescence induction. Activation of the above-mentioned molecules and their receptors is necessary for the initiation of senescence while their deactivation ceases the process. Taking in consideration that atherosclerosis is an inflammatory process and cellular senescence is an emerging cardiovascular risk factor, these new data may be of great importance, especially for chronic kidney disease patients who suffer from increased cardiovascular disease morbidity.