What are Zombie Cells and How Do They Contribute to Aging?

Have you ever heard of zombie cells? Unlike zombies, which are mythical creatures, zombie cells are a real problem that can contribute to different health issues and even accelerate aging. They got their name because they are damaged cells that refuse to die but continue to release harmful chemicals that affect neighboring healthy cells.

Continue reading as our aesthetic clinic in Singapore dives a little deeper about zombie cells, including their causes, relation to aging, and what can help get rid of them.  

What are zombie cells?

Scientifically known as senescent cells, zombie cells are damaged or defective cells that won’t die. While they cannot function properly or no longer replicate, they are still alive or active enough to secrete harmful molecules that can lead to inflammation. They are said to promote aging and contribute to degenerative diseases.

One important thing to know about our cells is that various factors can cause them to age or become damaged. When this happens, they stop multiplying and either undergo:

• Apoptosis – or natural cell death removes harmful and damaged cells to help maintain tissue health. It replaces worn out cells and gives birth to new healthy ones. Apoptosis is also said to play a role in preventing cancer. 
• Senescence – in this phase, the cells refuse to die and release harmful chemicals that can promote senescence in nearby cells. Senescent cells weaken the immune system, reducing its ability to fight infection. They also spread tissue damage and promote rapid aging.

Where do zombie cells come from?

When we’re young, the body can efficiently remove zombie cells to make room for new, healthy ones. With aging, diseases, and other factors, however, this process is negatively affected, with the immune system not being able to remove them effectively. The main purpose of this process is to prevent replication following stress or damage to a cell. 

A classic process in cellular senescence is telomere shortening. Also known as replicative senescence, this impedes a cell’s ability to divide or replicate. And when a cell has reached the maximum number of cell divisions, it becomes senescent. Zombie cells haunt the body and cause harm through: 

• Tissue dysfunction
• Inflammation
• Poor or weakened immune system

How are zombie cells linked to aging?

The National Institute on Aging says the body’s ability to clear out senescent cells becomes less efficient with aging. This is why they tend to linger and accumulate more and more as we age, causing potential problems. This is not the case for younger bodies or immune systems, which are well-equipped to remove zombie cells. 

Here’s how they are associated with and contribute to aging:

• Inflammation – as previously mentioned, senescent cells release harmful chemicals that cause inflammation and negatively affect stem cell function. These also impede the skin’s ability to heal or repair itself, contributing to skin wrinkling and loss of elasticity.
• Stem cell exhaustion – zombie cells can influence nearby cells via inflammatory signaling factors. They particularly affect impressionable cells, as well as hinder cell growth, communication, etc. This can contribute to aging and organ dysfunction.

What can help get rid of zombie cells naturally?

It is all about keeping the body healthy with the right habits. Some of the things that can help include:

• Exercise – apart from its numerous health benefits, regular exercise is said to enhance autophagy, a process where the body cleans out damaged cells to regenerate new, younger ones. This can help with cell repair and maintenance (including senescent cells). 
• Calorie restriction – eating fewer calories than what your body requires can help reduce senescent cells. It is believed to trigger apoptosis or cell death, including those that are damaged and dysfunctional. 
• Fasting – this can also trigger autophagy, helping your body clear out damaged cells, including zombie cells. Intermittent fasting is also said to help reduce senescent cells and delay senescence. It is not yet clear how long you need to fast to stimulate this process, but studies on animals suggest it may start between 24 and 48 hours.  
• A healthy diet – research has shown that a healthy diet (fruits, vegetables, whole grains) can help limit the number of senescent cells. Antioxidant-rich foods help fight free radicals, as well as promote healthy aging. 

There are natural compounds and supplements that are said to help with slowing down cell senescence. It is important, however, to consult a healthcare provider first before taking any of these, as many supplements are not regulated and do not hold the same standards as approved medications. 

How can Cutis deal with your aging concerns?

We at Cutis Medical Laser Clinics in Singapore always advocate for adopting a healthy lifestyle. If you, however, have visible aging concerns that are making you self-conscious, we can help. We offer several nonsurgical aesthetic treatments that can address or improve fine lines, wrinkles, sagging skin, and other visible signs of aging.

A few procedures worth considering include:

• Microfocused ultrasound with visualization (MFU-V) – is a non-invasive lifting and tightening procedure for the skin on your neck, brow, and under the chin. MFU-V Singapore treatments can also smooth lines and wrinkles on the décolleté.
• Botulinum toxin – is an anti-wrinkle injectable that can energize your look by tackling or improving frown lines, forehead wrinkles, crow’s feet, and platysma bands (vertical lines that appear on the neck).
• Dermal fillers – are injectables that restore volume loss and enhance your natural beauty. They can improve facial proportions and contour your chin and jawline. 
• Secret DUO – combines radiofrequency microneedling and 1540 nm erbium glass laser to tackle a wide range of skin issues. It can stimulate collagen production and improve photoaging and scarring on the face and body. It can also lift sagging skin and reduce the look of lines and wrinkles.

Schedule a consultation

If you want to find out more about our aesthetic treatments or how we can help you achieve your beauty goals, don’t hesitate to reach out. Contact us at +65 6801 4000 to learn more or schedule a consultation with one of our aesthetic doctors in Singapore.

Sources: 

https://med.umn.edu/news/defining-zombie-cells

https://www.nia.nih.gov/news/does-cellular-senescence-hold-secrets-healthier-aging

https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/health-and-zombie-cells-in-aging/

https://www.prevention.com/health/a41042090/zombie-cells-aging/