Flavonoid 4,4'-Dimethoxychalcone Selectively Eliminates Senescent Cells Via Activating Ferritinophagy

The study found that the flavonoid 4,4′-dimethoxychalcone (DMC) selectively eliminates senescent cells, which are cells that have stopped dividing and contribute to aging and age-related diseases. DMC achieves this by activating a process called ferritinophagy and inducing a form of cell death called ferroptosis. The study used various senescent cell models, including primary mouse fibroblasts, human umbilical vein endothelial cells, and LO2 cells. In vivo experiments on 20-month-old mice showed that DMC treatment improved hair quality and motor coordination, and reduced the number of senescent cells and inflammation in the liver. These findings suggest that DMC could be a potential treatment for senescence-associated diseases.