Cardiovascular aging: from cellular and molecular changes to therapeutic interventions

Angeliki Vakka1, Junco S Warren2, Konstantinos Drosatos1

  • 1Metabolic Biology Laboratory, Cardiovascular Center, Department of Pharmacology and Systems Physiology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA.

The Journal of Cardiovascular Aging
|June 5, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Cardiovascular aging involves structural and functional decline due to oxidative stress and inflammation. Research highlights cell signaling pathways and potential interventions like metformin and lifestyle changes for heart health.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Science
  • Aging Research
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Cardiovascular aging leads to cardiac hypertrophy, diastolic dysfunction, fibrosis, arterial stiffness, and endothelial dysfunction.
  • These age-related changes are driven by interconnected processes including oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, autophagy, inflammation, and telomere dysfunction.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the complex mechanisms underlying cardiovascular aging.
  • To identify key cell signaling pathways implicated in age-related cardiovascular deterioration.
  • To explore potential therapeutic interventions for cardiovascular aging.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent advances in cardiovascular aging research.
  • Analysis of cell signaling pathways involved in cardiovascular aging.
  • Compilation of data on pharmacological and lifestyle interventions.

Main Results:

  • Cardiovascular aging is characterized by multiple interconnected molecular and cellular dysfunctions.
  • Numerous cell signaling pathways are identified as critical regulators of cardiovascular aging.
  • Pharmacological agents (metformin, SGLT2 inhibitors, rapamycin, dasatinib, quercetin) and lifestyle modifications show promise.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding the molecular basis of cardiovascular aging is crucial for developing effective interventions.
  • Targeting specific cell signaling pathways may mitigate age-related cardiovascular decline.
  • A combination of pharmacological and lifestyle approaches could offer comprehensive strategies for promoting cardiovascular health in aging populations.

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