Tier 4 — mechanistic

Flip a coin: cell senescence at the maternal-fetal interface

Gong GS, Muyayalo KP, Zhang YJ, Lin XX, Liao AH
Biology of Reproduction 2023 109(3):244-255

Bibliography

PubMed
PMID 37402700
DOI
10.1093/biolre/ioad071

Study snapshot

DesignNarrative review
ModelReview of human and animal literature on cell senescence in pregnancy
SampleNot applicable — narrative review; no new human cohort or experimental sample.
InterventionNot applicable — review of cellular senescence in pregnancy, without any fisetin intervention.
DurationNot applicable — published literature review without clinical follow-up.
EndpointsPhysiological roles of cellular senescence at the maternal-fetal interface; Associations of dysregulated senescence with pregnancy complications; Implications for experimental senescence-targeted interventions

What the study showed, in plain terms

This review explains that cell senescence — cells entering a permanent non-dividing state — isn't just a feature of ageing. It plays a necessary, beneficial role during normal pregnancy, contributing to decidualisation, placental development, and the onset of labour. But when senescence becomes excessive or poorly regulated, it's linked to pregnancy complications including pre-eclampsia, fetal growth restriction, recurrent pregnancy loss, and preterm birth. The authors describe this dual role as a 'bright side' and a 'dark side' of the same biological process.

Key findings

Cell senescence at the maternal-fetal interface is required for normal decidualisation, placentation, and parturition. Dysregulated or premature senescence in placental and fetal membrane tissue is associated with preeclampsia, fetal growth restriction, recurrent pregnancy loss, and preterm birth. The review discusses emerging therapeutic approaches that modulate senescence during pregnancy, without endorsing any specific compound.

What this study can and cannot tell us

This is a narrative review, not a primary study — it synthesises existing literature rather than presenting new data. It does not evaluate fisetin, any other senolytic compound, or any specific supplement. Use only to explain the general biology of senescence in pregnancy, not as evidence about any particular intervention's safety or effect.

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Last verified

Dr. Khaled Mahmoud, MBBChCritical Care Medicine, Longevity Science & Editorial Direction Dr. Amr Yasser, PhDCardiometabolic, Musculoskeletal, Gut & Bioavailability Dr. Abdulla Mostafa, PhDCellular Senescence, Neurological, Mitochondrial & Brain-Ageing Biology