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Loss of cardioprotection with ageing

Kerstin Boengler1, Rainer Schulz, Gerd Heusch

  • 1Institut für Pathophysiologie, Universitätsklinikum Essen, Hufelandstrasse 55, 45122 Essen, Germany.

Cardiovascular Research
|January 30, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Older adults face higher risks of cardiovascular disease mortality. This review explores age-related changes impacting heart protection strategies, like preconditioning, and discusses potential interventions.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Gerontology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Ischaemic cardiovascular disease (ICVD) and mortality are higher in older adults.
  • An aging global population will increase the incidence of age-related cardiovascular disease.
  • Understanding age-induced changes in protein expression and cell signaling is crucial for developing effective treatments.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review age-related alterations in protein expression and cell signaling relevant to myocardial ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury.
  • To discuss the efficacy of cardioprotective strategies, such as preconditioning, in aged individuals.
  • To explore strategies to counteract age-induced loss of cardioprotection.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on myocardial ageing and ischaemia/reperfusion injury.
  • Analysis of studies investigating protein expression and cell signalling pathways in aged hearts.
  • Evaluation of research on the effectiveness of preconditioning in aged organs, animals, and patients.

Main Results:

  • Ageing is associated with significant changes in protein expression and cell signalling pathways that influence myocardial I/R injury.
  • Evidence suggests a diminished efficacy of cardioprotective manoeuvres like ischaemic preconditioning in aged hearts.
  • The precise mechanisms underlying the age-related loss of cardioprotection require further elucidation.

Conclusions:

  • Age-induced alterations in myocardial signalling compromise the effectiveness of established cardioprotective strategies.
  • Further research is needed to develop targeted interventions to restore cardioprotection in the elderly.
  • Developing strategies to overcome age-related loss of protection is essential for managing cardiovascular disease in aging populations.

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