Early aging and premature vascular aging in chronic kidney disease

Aging is the progressive decline of body functions and a number of chronic conditions can lead to premature aging characterized by frailty, a diseased vasculature, osteoporosis, and muscle wasting. One of the major conditions associated with premature and accelerated aging is chronic kidney disease (CKD), which can also result in early vascular aging and the stiffening of the arteries. Premature vascular aging in CKD patients has been considered as a marker of prognosis of mortality and cardiovascular morbidity and therefore requires further attention. Oxidative stress, inflammation, advanced glycation end products, fructose, and an aberrant gut microbiota can contribute to the development of early aging in CKD patients. There are several key molecular pathways and molecules which play a role in aging and vascular aging including nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf-2), AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), and klotho. Potential therapeutic strategies can target these pathways. Future studies are needed to better understand the importance of premature aging and early vascular aging and to develop therapeutic alternatives for these conditions.