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Ageing, sex, and cardioprotection
Marisol Ruiz-Meana1,2, Kerstin Boengler3, David Garcia-Dorado1,2
1Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Department of Cardiology, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
Insights
Age and sex significantly impact heart injury during ischaemia-reperfusion, affecting cardioprotective treatments. Strategies effective in young animals may fail in older individuals, highlighting the need for age- and sex-specific approaches in cardiovascular medicine.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Translational Science
- Cardioprotection Research
Background:
- Translating cardioprotective interventions from experimental settings to clinical practice remains a significant challenge.
- Demographic and clinical factors, particularly age and sex, influence myocardial ischaemia-reperfusion injury and treatment efficacy.
- Existing cardioprotective strategies often show reduced effectiveness with advancing age.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the mechanisms by which ageing and sex modulate myocardial ischaemia-reperfusion injury.
- To discuss the implications of these factors on the efficacy of cardioprotective interventions.
- To highlight the need for age- and sex-specific considerations in cardiovascular medicine.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of experimental and clinical studies.
- Analysis of the role of ageing and sex in ischaemia-reperfusion pathophysiology.
- Synthesis of findings related to cardioprotective strategies.
Main Results:
- Ageing and sex are critical modulators of myocardial ischaemia-reperfusion injury.
- Cardioprotective effects observed in young experimental models may not translate to aged populations.
- Understanding these sex- and age-related differences is crucial for effective treatment development.
Conclusions:
- Age and sex significantly influence the susceptibility to and outcomes of ischaemia-reperfusion injury.
- Current cardioprotective strategies require re-evaluation considering age and sex differences.
- Future research must focus on developing tailored interventions for diverse patient populations.
Abstract:
Translation of cardioprotective interventions aimed at reducing myocardial injury during ischaemia-reperfusion from experimental studies to clinical practice is an important yet unmet need in cardiovascular medicine. One particular challenge facing translation is the existence of demographic and clinical factors that influence the pathophysiology of ischaemia-reperfusion injury of the heart and the effects of treatments aimed at preventing it. Among these factors, age and sex are prominent and have a recognised role in the susceptibility and outcome of ischaemic heart disease. Remarkably, some of the most powerful cardioprotective strategies proven to be effective in young animals become ineffective during ageing. This article reviews the mechanisms and implications of the modulatory effects of ageing and sex on myocardial ischaemia-reperfusion injury and their potential effects on cardioprotective interventions. LINKED ARTICLES: This article is part of a themed issue on Risk factors, comorbidities, and comedications in cardioprotection. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v177.23/issuetoc.