Combating cellular senescence by sirtuins: Implications for atherosclerosis

Abstract

Cellular senescence is the permanent cell cycle arrest induced either by chronological ageing or extrinsic stimuli. Recent researches have identified cellular senescence as an important mechanism for atherosclerosis, which is the essential pathophysiological contributor to cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). The sirtuins are a family of cellular deacetylases with fundamental abilities to regulate cellular metabolism and a variety of physiological activities. Previous studies have revealed the anti-ageing functions of sirtuins as the longevity-associated proteins. These advances indicate the potential beneficial functions of sirtuins in atherosclerosis by affecting cellular senescence. Herein, we review the recent findings about sirtuins in regulating atherosclerotic cellular senescence, and discuss the possibility of activating sirtuins as a therapeutic strategy for combating atherosclerosis.

Keywords: Atherosclerosis; Cellular senescence; Sirtuins.