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Glucocorticoid Signaling and the Aging Heart
Diana Cruz-Topete1, Robert H Oakley2, John A Cidlowski2
1Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Center for Cardiovascular Diseases and Sciences, LSU Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA, United States.
Frontiers in Endocrinology
|June 13, 2020
Summary
Aging impairs heart function, increasing disease risk. Glucocorticoids, stress hormones, significantly impact cardiac aging, with potential for therapeutic manipulation in age-related heart disease.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Endocrinology
- Molecular Biology
- Gerontology
Background:
- Aging is characterized by declining physiological functions, particularly in the cardiovascular system.
- Endocrine system imbalances, including stress hormones like glucocorticoids, are common during aging.
- Glucocorticoids regulate metabolism, inflammation, and cardiac function via glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) signaling.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the multifaceted effects of glucocorticoids on the aging heart.
- To explore molecular and physiological evidence linking glucocorticoid signaling alterations to cardiac changes.
- To discuss potential therapeutic strategies targeting glucocorticoid signaling for age-related heart disease.
Main Methods:
- Literature review summarizing existing research on glucocorticoids and the aging heart.
- Analysis of molecular and physiological data on glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) signaling.
- Discussion of hormonal interactions (estrogens, GH/IGF-1) and their role in cardiovascular aging.
Main Results:
- Glucocorticoid signaling imbalances are implicated in cardiac disease and may play a role in aging.
- Alterations in glucocorticoid signaling contribute to changes in cardiac structure and function during aging.
- Specific molecular processes link glucocorticoid imbalances to cardiomyocyte dysfunction in aging.
Conclusions:
- Glucocorticoids have complex, dual effects on the aging heart.
- Understanding glucocorticoid signaling is crucial for addressing age-related cardiac dysfunction.
- Targeted manipulation of glucocorticoid signaling offers a promising therapeutic avenue for preventing and treating heart disease in aging populations.
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