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Pro-Angiogenesis Therapy and Aging: A Mini-Review.

Charles T Ambrose¹

¹Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA.

|June 1, 2017

Summary

Aging is linked to reduced microcirculation and capillary density, potentially due to declining angiogenic growth factors (AGFs). Restoring AGFs may alleviate common aging symptoms and signs.

Keywords:

Angiogenesis hypothesis of aging Angiogenic growth factors Capillary density Lesser ailments of aging Pro-angiogenesis therapy

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Area of Science:

Gerontology
Cardiovascular Biology
Molecular Biology

Background:

Aging is associated with various ailments like muscle weakness and slow wound healing.
These symptoms may stem from age-linked decline in microcirculation.
Reduced capillary density (CD) in aged individuals is a documented phenomenon.

Purpose of the Study:

To explore the link between declining angiogenic growth factors (AGFs) and reduced capillary density (CD) in aging.
To propose the "angiogenesis hypothesis of aging" based on observed AGF and CD levels.
To suggest pro-angiogenesis therapy as a potential treatment for aging symptoms.

Main Methods:

Literature review of over 40 papers on reduced CD in aged populations.
Review of 7 reports documenting declining AGF levels during old age.
Analysis of existing recombinant AGFs and their safety in preclinical and short-term clinical studies.

Main Results:

A consistent reduction in capillary density (CD) is observed in aged individuals and animals.
Declining levels of angiogenic growth factors (AGFs) correlate with reduced CD in old age.
Old age can be viewed as an angiogenic growth factor deficiency state.

Conclusions:

The "angiogenesis hypothesis of aging" posits that declining AGFs drive aging-related microcirculatory decline.
Therapeutic strategies aimed at promoting angiogenesis may offer a novel approach to mitigate aging symptoms.
Recombinant AGFs show promise for safe application in aging research and potential therapies.