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Age and sex differences in microvascular responses during reactive hyperaemia
Tom Citherlet1, Antoine Raberin1, Giorgio Manferdelli1
1Institute of Sport Sciences, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.
Experimental Physiology
|March 21, 2024
Summary
Microvascular responsiveness is reduced in both women and older individuals, impacting skeletal muscle oxygenation. This highlights the need to consider sex and age in cardiovascular health research.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Vascular Biology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Microvascular impairments are characteristic of many cardiovascular diseases.
- Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) with vascular occlusion tests offers non-invasive assessment of microvascular function.
- Existing research on sex and age influences on microvascular responses is inconsistent.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of sex and age on microvascular responsiveness.
- To analyze skeletal muscle oxygenation changes during reactive hyperemia in different demographic groups.
Main Methods:
- A vascular occlusion test was performed on 27 participants (young/older men/women).
- Skeletal muscle oxygenation in the vastus lateralis was monitored using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS).
- Measurements included desaturation, reperfusion rates, tissue oxygenation range, and resting/peak oxygenation levels.
Main Results:
- Both women and older participants showed significantly lower microvascular responsiveness.
- Reduced desaturation and reperfusion rates were observed in women and older individuals.
- Women exhibited higher resting and time-to-peak tissue oxygenation levels.
Conclusions:
- Microvascular responses are diminished in women and older adults.
- Sex and age are critical factors influencing microvascular health and should be considered in research.
- Further investigation is required to understand mechanisms and clinical implications for tailored vascular health strategies.
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