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[How do blood vessels age? Mechanisms and clinical implications]
B van der Loo1, R Koppensteiner, T F Lüscher
1HerzKreislaufZentrum, Abteilungen Kardiologie und Angiologie, Universitätsspital Zürich, Schweiz.
VASA. Zeitschrift Fur Gefasskrankheiten
|April 6, 2004
Summary
Vascular ageing, a major cardiovascular risk factor, involves impaired vasorelaxation due to increased oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. Antioxidants like vitamin E show potential in preventing age-related vascular changes.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Science
- Gerontology
- Molecular Biology
Context:
- Ageing is a primary risk factor for cardiovascular diseases.
- Vascular ageing involves structural and functional changes in blood vessels.
- Endothelial dysfunction, particularly impaired vasorelaxation, characterizes vascular ageing.
Purpose:
- To explore the mechanisms underlying vascular ageing.
- To investigate the role of oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction in vascular ageing.
- To evaluate the potential of antioxidant therapies in mitigating vascular ageing.
Summary:
- Vascular ageing is characterized by intima-media thickening, reduced compliance, and impaired endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation.
- Increased production of reactive oxygen species and peroxynitrite leads to mitochondrial dysfunction and protein nitration.
- Accumulation of vitamin E in the aortic wall suggests a self-regulatory mechanism against oxidative stress, while ascorbic acid decreases with age.
Impact:
- Understanding vascular ageing mechanisms can lead to novel therapeutic strategies for cardiovascular diseases.
- Developing interventions to delay vascular ageing may have significant medical and economic benefits.
- Further research into antioxidant therapies could offer new avenues for managing age-related vascular decline.