Related Experiment Video

Updated: Sep 29, 2025

Visualization of Mitochondrial Respiratory Function using Cytochrome C Oxidase / Succinate Dehydrogenase COX/SDH Double-labeling Histochemistry
06:53

Visualization of Mitochondrial Respiratory Function using Cytochrome C Oxidase / Succinate Dehydrogenase COX/SDH Double-labeling Histochemistry

Published on: November 23, 2011

37.1K

Mitochondrial Implications in Cardiovascular Aging and Diseases: The Specific Role of Mitochondrial Dynamics and

Anastasia V Poznyak1, Tatiana V Kirichenko2,3,4, Evgeny E Borisov4

  • 1Institute for Atherosclerosis Research, 121609 Moscow, Russia.

International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|March 25, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Mitochondria are crucial for cardiovascular health, especially in aging individuals. Dysfunctional mitochondria and altered mitochondrial dynamics contribute to cardiovascular diseases like atherosclerosis and stroke.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Science
  • Mitochondrial Biology
  • Aging Research

Background:

  • Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a leading cause of mortality globally, with the elderly being a high-risk population.
  • Aging of the cardiovascular system is a significant risk factor for pathologies such as atherosclerosis and ischemic stroke.
  • Mitochondria are vital for cellular energy production and cardiovascular system function.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of mitochondria in cardiovascular system aging.
  • To explore the involvement of mitochondria in age-related CVDs, including atherosclerosis and ischemic stroke.
  • To highlight the significance of mitochondrial dynamics in cardiovascular pathologies.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing scientific literature on mitochondria, cardiovascular aging, and related diseases.
  • Analysis of studies focusing on mitochondrial function, structure, and dynamics (fission/fusion balance).
  • Examination of the link between altered mitochondrial dynamics and cardiovascular pathologies.

Main Results:

  • Mitochondrial dysfunction is a key factor in cardiovascular aging.
  • Imbalances in mitochondrial fission and fusion dynamics are associated with atherosclerosis and ischemic stroke.
  • Proper mitochondrial number, structure, performance, and removal of damaged mitochondria are essential for cardiovascular health.

Conclusions:

  • Mitochondria play a critical role in the aging of the cardiovascular system.
  • Altered mitochondrial dynamics are implicated in the development of cardiovascular diseases.
  • Targeting mitochondrial function and dynamics may offer therapeutic strategies for age-related cardiovascular conditions.

Keywords:
atherosclerosiscardiovascular diseaseischemic strokemitochondriamitochondrial dynamics

More Related Videos

Understanding the Changes in Mitochondrial Morphology through Dynamic and Three-dimensional Fluorescence Micrographs08:15

Understanding the Changes in Mitochondrial Morphology through Dynamic and Three-dimensional Fluorescence Micrographs

Published on: August 15, 2025

347
Imaging and Quantifying Mitochondrial Morphology in C. elegans During Aging05:29

Imaging and Quantifying Mitochondrial Morphology in C. elegans During Aging

Published on: January 17, 2025

1.1K

Related Concept Videos

Mitochondria01:37

Mitochondria

Mitochondria are eukaryotic cellular organelles that are known to produce energy through a process called oxidative phosphorylation. Besides their primary function, mitochondria are involved in various cellular processes, including cell growth, differentiation, signaling, metabolism, and senescence. Age-related changes cause a decline in mitochondrial quality and integrity due to increased mitochondrial mutations and oxidative damage. Thus, aging can severely impact mitochondrial functions,...
15.4K
Mitochondrial Membranes01:45

Mitochondrial Membranes

A single mitochondrion is a bean-shaped organelle enclosed by a double-membrane system. The outer membrane of mitochondria is smooth and contains many porins - the integral membrane transporters. Porins enable free diffusion of ions and small uncharged molecules through the outer mitochondrial membrane but limit the transport of molecules larger than 5000 Daltons. Further, the outer mitochondrial membrane forms a unique structure called membrane contact sites with other subcellular organelles,...
12.6K
Electron Transport Chain: Complex I and II01:46

Electron Transport Chain: Complex I and II

The mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) is the main energy generation system in the eukaryotic cells. However, mitochondria also produce cytotoxic reactive oxygen species (ROS) due to the large electron flow during oxidative phosphorylation. While Complex I is one of the primary sources of superoxide radicals, ROS production by Complex II is uncommon and may only be observed in cancer cells with mutated complexes.
ROS generation is regulated and maintained at moderate levels necessary...
15.2K
Aging01:26

Aging

Aging is a complex biological phenomenon influenced by various processes that affect cellular and systemic functions. Several prominent theories attempt to explain its mechanisms, highlighting cellular limitations, oxidative damage, and hormonal changes as central factors in aging.
Cellular Clock Theory
The cellular clock theory posits that the human lifespan is closely tied to the finite capacity of cells to divide, a phenomenon governed by telomeres, which are protective caps at the ends of...
219
The Inner Mitochondrial Membrane01:28

The Inner Mitochondrial Membrane

The inner mitochondrial membrane is the primary site of ATP synthesis. The inner membrane domain that forms a smooth layer adjacent to the outer membrane is called the inner boundary membrane. This domain contains membrane transporters that drive metabolites in and out of the mitochondria.  In contrast, the inner membrane network that invaginates into the matrix space is called the cristae membrane. This domain accounts for principle mitochondrial function as it accommodates the protein...
3.7K
The Effect of Aging on Tissues01:19

The Effect of Aging on Tissues

Several body functions deteriorate with age. The external signs of aging are easily identifiable. For example, the skin becomes dry, less elastic, and thins out, forming wrinkles. The skin of the face begins to appear looser due to a decrease in the levels of elastic and collagen fibers in the connective tissue. Additionally, melanin production in the hair follicle decreases with age, resulting in gray hair. Moreover, the senses of sight and hearing decline, so glasses and hearing aids may...
2.7K