Aging has long been considered a slow and inevitable decline. But new research suggests that hidden in the depths of cellular processes of the body, there can be a crucial trigger point – which could be modified, interrupted or even reversed. The process in question is necrosis, an uncontrolled form of cell death.
A study carried out by researchers from the University College London (UCL),, Linkgevityand the European space agency (ESA) Place necrosis in the center of aging and illness. The document suggests that necrosis may not be a consequence of damage. It could be a cause.
Necrosis can be the trigger for aging
Necrosis is a chaotic form of cell death caused by stress, infection or injury. Unlike controlled cell death, it damages the tissues nearby and triggers inflammation. The study suggests that necrosis is not only a final event, but an active engine of aging and chronic disease.
“No one really likes to talk about death, even of cell death, that is perhaps the reason why the physiology of death is so badly understood. And in a way that necrosis is death,” noted Dr. Keith Siew of the UCL Center for the Health of the Reine and the bladder.
“If enough cells die, then the tissues die, then we die. The question is what would happen if we could take a break or stop necrosis.”
The death of chaotic cells spreads the damage
The cells are the constituent elements of all living organisms. Their death is natural And necessary, but only when this happens in a regulated manner.
In healthy systems, cells are replaced in a clean and controlled manner. This process, known as apoptosis, helps organs regenerate and remain functional.
Necrosis is different. This happens without order or goal. When this happens, the cells break and overthrow their contents in the surrounding tissues. This creates inflammation, distributes the damage and accelerates aging.
“Necrosis remains one of the last borders in medicine – a common thread through agingDisease, spatial biology and scientific progress itself, “said Dr. Carina Kern, principal author of the study and CEO of Linkgevity.
Calcium imbalance causes cell collapse
At the heart of necrosis is calcium, a mineral that helps regulate cellular function. Normally, the cells maintain much higher calcium levels outside their membranes than the interior. This gradient helps control vital activities.
When calcium floods, the cell collapses, overthrows toxins and triggers harmful inflammation. “When cells die, it’s not always a peaceful process for neighbors,” said Dr. Siew.
The death of toxic cells connects diseases
Necrosis triggers a domino effect. As toxic materials spread, neighboring cells are affected. This leads to more cell death, more inflammation and an increasing spiral of decline. Over time, the body becomes less able to repair itself.
The study establishes links between necrosis and several chronic conditions. These include Alzheimer’s disease, heart disease and kidney failure. These diseases are often considered not linked, but researchers argue that they share a common thread: necrosis.
“Necrosis has hidden at sight.
“This makes it a critical point of convergence through many diseases. If we can target necrosis, we could completely unlock new ways of dealing with conditions ranging from renal insufficiency to heart disease, neuro-degeneration and even aging itself.”
Cell death harms the kidneys as we age
Among all the organs affected by necrosis, the kidneys can suffer the most. They filter blood, regulate liquid levels and support other systems. As people age, these functions often vacillate. Almost half of those over 75 show signs of kidney disease.
The study underlines how necrosis is at the center of this drop. Stress factors such as low oxygen, oxidative stress and toxins accumulation all lead to necrosis in kidney tissues. Once it starts, it feeds a feedback loop which becomes difficult to stop.
“With a kidney disease, there is no one underlying the kidneys to fail. This could be a lack of oxygen, inflammation, oxidative stress, accumulation of toxins, etc., “said Dr. Siew
“All these stress factors finally lead to necrosis, which initiates a positive feedback loop that is unleashed out of control, leading to renal failure. We cannot stop all these stressors of stress, but if you could intervene at the point of necrosis, you will actually get the same result. ”
Age in space
The implications of the necrosis extend far beyond the earth. In space, astronauts face conditions that imitate and accelerate aging. Low gravity and cosmic radiation stressed the body. The muscles waste, the bones weaken and the organs begin to fail faster than on earth.
In 2024, Dr. Siew worked on a study that identified the human kidney as a major vulnerability during space flights. Necrosis seemed to play a central role. The incapacity of the body to manage stress in space could threaten the success of long -term missions.
Damian Bailey is a professor of physiology and biochemistry University of southern Wales and president of the ESA life science working group.
“Targeting necrosis offers potential not only to transform longevity on earth, but also push the boundaries of spatial exploration,” noted Professor Bailey. “In space, the same factors that cause aging on earth are aggravated by cosmic radiation and microgravity – considerably accelerating degeneration.”
Stop cell death to support healing
Necrosis in vital organs triggers damage cycles that slow healing and reduce recovery capacity.
“In many age -related diseases – affecting various organs such as lungs, kidneys, liver, brain and cardiovascular system – implacable necrosis cascades feed the progression of the disease,” said Dr. Kern.
“This is often in parallel with altered healing which causes fibrosis, inflammation and damaged cells. Each cascade triggers and amplifies the next one. “
“If we could prevent necrosis, even temporarily, we close these destructive cycles to their source, allowing normal physiological processes and cell division to resume – and potentially even allow regeneration.”
The study is published in the journal Oncogen.
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