[Biological mechanisms of aging in the cardiovascular system]

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Gerontology
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Cardiovascular diseases are a leading global cause of death, stemming from degenerative processes.
• Key biological aging mechanisms, termed the hallmarks of aging, contribute to various diseases, including cardiovascular conditions.
• Oxidative and glycative stress are significant contributors to macromolecular damage within the cardiovascular system.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the link between the hallmarks of aging and cardiovascular disease development.
• To introduce geroscience as a novel therapeutic strategy targeting aging mechanisms.
• To assess the potential of geroscience in preventing or treating cardiovascular diseases.

Main Methods:

• Review of established hallmarks of aging and their impact on cardiovascular health.
• Analysis of oxidative and glycative stress as sources of macromolecular damage.
• Conceptual framework for geroscience interventions in cardiovascular medicine.

Main Results:

• The hallmarks of aging, including macromolecular damage, epigenetic alterations, and cellular senescence, directly impact cardiovascular resilience.
• Oxidative and glycative stress accelerate cardiovascular aging, reducing the heart and vessels' ability to cope with stress.
• These aging-induced changes lead to functional impairments and the manifestation of cardiovascular diseases.

Conclusions:

• Targeting the hallmarks of aging, rather than cardiovascular diseases directly, represents a promising geroscience approach.
• Geroscience offers a paradigm shift in understanding and potentially intervening in age-related cardiovascular decline.
• While conceptually valuable, geroscience requires further research and validation for clinical application in cardiovascular health.