---
title: Cellular Senescence and Adrenal Health
description: Senescent cells in the adrenal cortex's three zones may suppress aldosterone and androgen output, and what this means for age-related hormone changes.
image: https://www.casi.org/hubfs/casi/archive/tuesblog_7.jpg
---

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Research & Education

# Cellular Senescence and Adrenal Health

CA Cory Ambrose, ND, MAT Jun 06, 2022

![Cellular Senescence and Adrenal Health](https://www.casi.org/hs-fs/hubfs/casi/archive/tuesblog_7.jpg?width=960)

[Cellular senescence](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7405395/) refers to a process in which certain cells, after becoming stressed or damaged, undergo a series of harmful changes. Cells may become senescent as a result of many variabilities, including misfolded proteins, [DNA damage](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7405395/), replicative stress, and failed protein removal. Key features of senescent cells (SCs) are their resistance to apoptotic cell death and increases in [secretory activity](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34943980/). These may contribute to the inducement of senescence in [neighboring cells](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34943980/).  

Studies suggest that even a relatively small quantity of SCs may cause [tissue dysfunction](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30279143/). Although rare in younger individuals, SCs increase in many tissues within the human body during the [aging process](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34884444/). Tissues containing SCs may be more [vulnerable to disease](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34943980/) with increases in inflammation and decreases in function over time.  

A review article by [Gao and colleagues](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34943980/) explored the relationship between cellular senescence and adrenocortical health. The authors describe some age-related changes in the body that have been recently associated with the adrenal cortex. For instance, decreases in [cortisol](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34943980/) and increases in aldosterone over time have been associated with the aging process. The authors posit that cellular senescence may play a role in these age-related changes in adrenal function. 

The adrenal cortex consists of three layers: zona glomerulosa (ZG), zona fasciculata (ZF), and zona reticularis (ZR). According to Gao and colleagues, each layer of the adrenal cortex has a different relationship with SCs. The SCs present in the ZG are believed to suppress some ability to produce [aldosterone](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34943980/), which is a hormone critical to the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. Adrenal androgen production in the ZR may also be reduced in the presence of SCs. Cortisol-producing cells in the ZF may not inhibit [cortisol production](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34943980/) in the presence of SCs. However, more information is needed before clinical conclusions can be made.  

Healthy hormone production is critical to endocrine function and overall health. Disruptions in [adrenocortical steroid production](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34943980/) may lead to the development of more SCs. This can result in increased [oxidative stress](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34943980/), damage to DNA, and telomere shortening. Telomeres are nucleotide sequences located at the ends of chromosomes. [Shortened telomeres](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34943980/) are associated with cellular senescence and cell cycle arrest.  

Age-related changes and cellular senescence have been shown to play roles in the development of certain chronic diseases, including osteoporosis and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Although further research is needed, cellular senescence may also influence age-related changes in the adrenal cortex. Certain bioactive molecules (including [polyphenols](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34884444/)) have been shown to support healthy aging and the body’s response to cellular senescence.  

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### Cory Ambrose, ND, MAT

Clinical Application

## Clinical Considerations in Practice

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### Practitioner Formulation Example

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