Inhibition of hydrogen peroxide-induced senescence markers by yeast-derived vacuoles in human lung fibroblasts

Senescence significantly contributes to aging in various tissues, influenced by factors such as lysosomal alkalinization, which disrupts autophagic flux and accumulates toxic substances. This disruption leads to oxidative stress, increased lysosomal permeability, cellular senescence, and apoptosis. Similar to mammalian lysosomes, S. cerevisiae-derived vacuoles degrade macromolecules using hydrolytic enzymes and mitigate these aging effects. Our study assessed the anti-aging potential of yeast vacuoles in human lung fibroblasts treated with hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). Pretreatment with vacuoles at concentrations of 1, 5, and 10 μg/ml decreased SA-β-gal-positive cell counts, reduced mRNA levels of senescence markers (p21 and p53), and senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) factors (IL-6 and TNF-α) compared to controls treated with H₂O₂ alone. Additionally, these vacuoles significantly diminished intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, indicating their potential as effective lung anti-senescence agents. This study suggests that yeast vacuoles could be used as a preventive measure against changes associated with lung aging.