In DM1, muscle stem cells adopt the characteristics of senescent cells, including the secretion of senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). A Canadian team showed that :
- serum levels of certain SASPs (including interleukin 6) are correlated with muscle weakness and functional limitations.
- administration of a senolytic product inhibiting BCL-XL leads to the death of senescent myoblasts and stops the secretion of SASP, which restores the capacity of myoblasts to proliferate and differentiate.
