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“I’ve been seeing terms like ‘aging cells’ and ‘zombie cells’ a lot lately, but I’m not really sure what they mean.” “If it’s possible to remove them, I’d like to try it, but I’m worried about side effects.”—We’re hearing comments like these more and more often from people who are just beginning to take an interest in anti-aging and longevity medicine.

 

I feel that because the words carry such strong connotations, this is a topic that tends to evoke both high expectations and deep anxiety.

 

Aging cells are cells that have stopped dividing due to aging or various forms of stress. It has become clear that they are not merely “cells that have stopped functioning,” but also continue to release substances that cause inflammation in the surrounding area.

 

The approach of focusing on these aging cells and working to reduce them as much as possible from within the body is one of the areas gaining attention in recent aging research.

 

However, this is still a field where research is ongoing, and we have not yet reached the point where we can definitively say, “If you do this, it will definitely be removed.”

 

In this article, we’ll cover everything from the basics of the concept of aging cells to the approaches currently available and how to deal with them.

 

[Doctor’s Point]

I’ve really noticed that I’m getting asked about senescent cells more and more. Textbooks generally explain that they “accumulate with age and contribute to chronic inflammation,” and since they’re included among the hallmarks of aging, I feel that controlling senescent cells is one factor we simply cannot ignore when it comes to controlling aging.

 

Wouldn't it be difficult to rejuvenate the entire body without controlling aging cells?

What exactly are senescent cells (zombie cells)?

Under normal circumstances, the cells in our bodies stop dividing and fulfill their purpose as they age.

 

However, when cells are affected by aging, ultraviolet rays, oxidative stress, and other factors, some may remain in the body in a state where they cannot die but also cannot function normally.

 

These are known as “senescent cells,” and because they continue to live even though they have stopped dividing, they are sometimes colloquially referred to as “zombie cells.”

 

The problem is that these aging cells have a tendency to continuously release inflammatory substances into their surroundings.

 

Research is being conducted around the world suggesting that the accumulation of aging cells may be one of the factors contributing to the increased likelihood of chronic inflammation occurring throughout the body as we age.

Why Is "Inflammation" Often Discussed in Connection with Aging?

It is believed that the inflammatory substances released by aging cells gradually affect various parts of the body as we get older.

 

This concept, also known as “inframazing,” refers to a type of chronic inflammation that smolders steadily over time, unlike visible, acute inflammation.

 

It is believed that this chronic inflammation may be a contributing factor behind the changes many people experience as they age—such as a loss of skin firmness, changes in circulation, difficulty recovering from fatigue, and a decline in physical stamina.

 

However, the causes of these changes are not limited to aging cells alone; they involve a complex interplay of various factors, including lifestyle habits such as sleep, diet, and exercise, hormonal balance, and genetic factors.

 

If you keep in mind that focusing on aging cells is just one angle from which to understand the complex phenomenon of aging—and that it does not explain everything—I think you’ll be less likely to get swept up by the information.

What kinds of approaches focus on aging cells?

The approach of reducing senescent cells or moderating their activity has been gaining attention in recent years as a field of research known as “senolytics.”

 

Reports—primarily based on basic research and animal studies—are continuing to accumulate regarding the possibility that certain components may selectively target aging cells.

 

Although this is a field in which research is actively underway worldwide, long-term data from human studies is still in its early stages, and there is no established approach that can be said to be the “only correct answer.”

 

The current situation is that approaches from various angles—including nutrition, lifestyle habits, and intravenous therapy—are being explored simultaneously.

 

At BIANCA Clinic, we offer fucoxanthinol IV drips, focusing on these aging cells as one approach.

 

Fucoxanthinol is a substance produced when fucoxanthin—a compound derived from seaweed—is metabolized in the body; research is currently underway into its antioxidant properties and effects on lipid metabolism.

 

As one approach focused on aging cells and chronic inflammation, we are incorporating this treatment in the form of an IV drip.

We are also planning to conduct tests to assess the condition of aging cells.

Although we have not yet begun offering this service, BIANCA Clinic plans to introduce a test in the future to assess the likely extent of aging cells in the body.

 

After the system is implemented, patients receiving fucoxanthinol IV infusions will be able to objectively verify, through medical tests, how their condition has changed before and after treatment.

 

I have long wanted to incorporate testing for aging cells into our services, but it has been difficult to offer this as part of our testing menu. I am very pleased that we have finally reached a point where we can introduce it.

 

I think that being able to see actual changes in your numbers with your own eyes—rather than just feeling like “I feel a little better after getting an IV”—can be a source of encouragement when working to combat aging or improve your physical condition.

 

Once the screening becomes available, we hope that those who have already received a fucoxanthinol IV drip will take advantage of it and use the results to monitor changes in their own health.

Who this is best suited for, and who should consider it carefully

For those who have begun to notice chronic inflammation or a tendency to tire easily, as well as those interested in anti-aging and longevity medicine who wish to try an in-depth approach to the mechanisms of aging, care focused on aging cells may be a viable option.

 

In particular, it might be worth considering for those who want to incorporate an approach that works from the inside out, in addition to improving their daily lifestyle habits.

 

On the other hand, if you have a pre-existing condition and are receiving regular treatment, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it is important to consult with your doctor and inform them of your current physical condition before considering an IV treatment as a private medical service.

 

I also believe it’s important to approach this with the right mindset for the long term—that is, to avoid having unrealistic expectations, such as thinking, “If I just take this, aging will stop,” and instead view it strictly as part of your overall health regimen.

 

I believe that it is only when lifestyle habits—such as sleep, diet, and exercise—form a solid foundation that this intravenous treatment approach can truly be effective.

 

Rather than relying solely on IV drips, I think you’ll find it easier to manage your health if you adopt the mindset of reviewing your daily lifestyle habits and incorporating treatments that target aging cells as a supplement to those habits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do aging cells accumulate in everyone?

It is believed that these substances tend to accumulate in the body as we age, but the rate and amount of accumulation vary from person to person and are thought to be influenced by lifestyle factors as well.

Will receiving a fucoxanthinol IV drip reduce the number of aging cells?

This is an area of ongoing research, and results may vary from person to person. We do not guarantee the complete removal of senescent cells; rather, we offer this as one approach focused on aging and chronic inflammation.

When can I get tested for aging cells?

We are still in the planning stages at this time, and the launch date has not yet been determined. We will provide an update once the implementation has been finalized.

Are there any pain or side effects?

Individuals may experience the effects of an IV drip differently. If you have any concerns about your health, please consult your doctor beforehand to decide whether to undergo the procedure.

Can I use my insurance?

Since this is a private medical service, it is not covered by public health insurance. Please inquire about the cost during your consultation.

Summary

The concept of senescent cells is still a field of research in its early stages, and there is much we do not yet understand.

 

That is precisely why I believe it is important not to make decisions based solely on fragmented information, but rather to work with a specialist to sort things out while taking into account your own physical condition and lifestyle.

 

At BIANCA Clinic, we offer personalized consultations based on a geriatric medicine approach that focuses on aging cells, tailored to each individual’s specific condition.

 

If you’d like to learn more about fucoxanthinol IV therapy or the tests we plan to introduce in the future, please feel free to contact us for a consultation.

 

Since this is a new field, I think it’s only natural to have questions or concerns. Please don’t hesitate to ask me anything you don’t understand during your appointment.

 

Let's work together to find the approach that works best for you.

 

▷ Treatment Page for 15 mg Fucoxanthinol IV Drip (Removal of Aging Cells)

▷ Counseling Appointment Page