Pro-apoptotic

Pro-apoptotic refers to substances or signals that promote apoptosis, which is the process of programmed cell death. This natural mechanism helps the body eliminate damaged, unwanted, or potentially harmful cells in a controlled way. When pro-apoptotic factors are active, they trigger a series of events inside the cell that lead to its self-destruction, maintaining healthy tissue function and preventing diseases like cancer. Essentially, pro-apoptotic components act as regulators that ensure cells die when necessary, helping to keep the body's cell population balanced and healthy.