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Updated: Aug 1, 2025
Assessment of Vascular Tone Responsiveness using Isolated Mesenteric Arteries with a Focus on Modulation by Perivascular Adipose Tissues
Published on: June 3, 2019
Exercise protects vascular function by countering senescent cells in older adults
Jinqi Meng1, Qi Geng2, Sheng Jin3
1Department of Sports, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China.
Insights
Cellular senescence contributes to age-related cardiovascular disease (CVD). Suppressing senescence may preserve vascular function, and exercise shows promise for CVD prevention and treatment, though optimal protocols need further study.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Science
- Aging Research
- Cellular Biology
Background:
- Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death, exacerbated by aging.
- Cellular senescence, a state of irreversible cell cycle arrest, contributes to age-related pathologies, including vascular dysfunction.
- Current pharmacological treatments for age-related CVD are often inefficient.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of senescent endothelial cells (ECs) and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) in CVD progression.
- To discuss the impact of physical activity on CVD prevention and treatment.
- To highlight the need for effective strategies against age-related CVD.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on cellular senescence, aging, and cardiovascular disease.
- Analysis of research on the effects of exercise on vascular health.
- Synthesis of evidence regarding senescent cell-targeted therapies and physical activity.
Main Results:
- Cellular senescence in ECs and VSMCs is implicated in the pathogenesis of CVD.
- Eliminating senescent cells shows potential for preserving vascular function in aging.
- Exercise benefits cardiovascular health, but optimal mechanisms and frequencies require further investigation.
Conclusions:
- Cellular senescence is a key driver of age-related vascular dysfunction and CVD.
- Targeting senescent cells and promoting physical activity are promising strategies for managing CVD.
- Further research is needed to elucidate exercise mechanisms and optimize its application in CVD treatment.
Abstract:
Blood vessels are key conduits for the transport of blood and circulating factors. Abnormalities in blood vessels promote cardiovascular disease (CVD), which has become the most common disease as human lifespans extend. Aging itself is not pathogenic; however, the decline of physiological and biological function owing to aging has been linked to CVD. Although aging is a complex phenomenon that has not been comprehensively investigated, there is accumulating evidence that cellular senescence aggravates various pathological changes associated with aging. Emerging evidence shows that approaches that suppress or eliminate cellular senescence preserve vascular function in aging-related CVD. However, most pharmacological therapies for treating age-related CVD are inefficient. Therefore, effective approaches to treat CVD are urgently required. The benefits of exercise for the cardiovascular system have been well documented in basic research and clinical studies; however, the mechanisms and optimal frequency of exercise for promoting cardiovascular health remain unknown. Accordingly, in this review, we have discussed the changes in senescent endothelial cells (ECs) and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) that occur in the progress of CVD and the roles of physical activity in CVD prevention and treatment.
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