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A Quantitative Measurement of Reactive Oxygen Species and Senescence-associated Secretory Phenotype in Normal Human Fibroblasts During Oncogene-induced Senescence
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A Quantitative Measurement of Reactive Oxygen Species and Senescence-associated Secretory Phenotype in Normal Human Fibroblasts During Oncogene-induced Senescence

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Oxidative stress in vascular senescence: lessons from successfully aging species

Zoltan Ungvari1, Rochelle Buffenstein, Steven N Austad

  • 1Department of Physiology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York 10595, USA. zoltan_ungvari@nymc.edu

Frontiers in Bioscience : a Journal and Virtual Library
|May 30, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Cardiovascular aging involves oxidative stress and inflammation. Studying long-lived species like naked mole-rats may reveal secrets to delaying heart disease and stroke in humans.

Area of Science:

  • Gerontology
  • Cardiovascular Science
  • Comparative Biology

Background:

  • Cardiovascular disease is a primary cause of death in the elderly.
  • Oxidative stress and inflammation are key factors in cardiovascular aging.
  • Understanding these mechanisms can lead to interventions for age-related heart conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review evidence on oxidative stress and inflammation in cardiovascular aging.
  • To explore the potential of long-lived species as models for healthy cardiovascular aging.
  • To identify mechanisms for delaying cardiovascular aging.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on cardiovascular aging, oxidative stress, and inflammation.
  • Comparative analysis of aging patterns and oxidative stress resistance in mammals with varying lifespans.
  • Discussion of specific long-lived, mouse-sized species as potential research models.

Main Results:

  • Evidence strongly supports the roles of oxidative stress and inflammation in cardiovascular aging.
  • Significant variation exists in mammalian lifespan and cardiovascular aging.
  • Long-lived species offer unique insights into successful cardiovascular aging.

Conclusions:

  • Comparative studies of oxidative stress and redox signaling in long-lived species can elucidate mechanisms for delaying cardiovascular aging.
  • Species like the naked mole-rat, white-footed mouse, and little brown bat are promising models.
  • These models can help test the oxidative stress theory of aging and identify strategies to promote cardiovascular health in the elderly.

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