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Published on: August 13, 2019
Efficacy of female rat models in translational cardiovascular aging research
K M Rice1, J C Fannin2, C Gillette3
1Center for Diagnostic Nanosystems and Robert C. Byrd Biotechnology Science Center, Marshall University, Room 241D, 1700 3rd Avenue, Huntington, WV 25755-1090, USA.
Insights
Aging significantly impacts cardiovascular disease risk in women. This review examines how aging and gender affect cardiovascular health, questioning the human applicability of rat aging models.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Science
- Aging Research
- Translational Medicine
Background:
- Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in US women.
- Aging is a major risk factor for CVD, morbidity, and mortality.
- Gender is also a known risk factor for various cardiovascular diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the cardiovascular pathophysiology of aging and gender.
- To evaluate the translational applicability of rat aging models to human aging research.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of existing literature on aging, gender, and cardiovascular disease.
- Analysis of physiological changes in the cardiovascular system due to aging.
- Comparison of aging effects in rat models versus human data.
Main Results:
- Aging leads to significant systemic cardiovascular changes.
- Gender influences cardiovascular aging pathways.
- Data from rat models may not fully translate to human cardiovascular aging.
Conclusions:
- Understanding cardiovascular aging in women is critical.
- Further research is needed to validate rat models for human cardiovascular aging studies.
- Gender-specific approaches are essential for effective cardiovascular disease prevention and treatment in aging populations.
Abstract:
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women in the United States. Aging is a primary risk factor for the development of cardiovascular disease as well as cardiovascular-related morbidity and mortality. Aging is a universal process that all humans undergo; however, research in aging is limited by cost and time constraints. Therefore, most research in aging has been done in primates and rodents; however it is unknown how well the effects of aging in rat models translate into humans. To compound the complication of aging gender has also been indicated as a risk factor for various cardiovascular diseases. This review addresses the systemic pathophysiology of the cardiovascular system associated with aging and gender for aging research with regard to the applicability of rat derived data for translational application to human aging.
