Microvascular endothelial dysfunction in vascular senescence and disease.

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Science
• Aging Research
• Inflammation Biology

Background:

• Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of death globally.
• Endothelial dysfunction (ED) is an early indicator of vascular aging, preceding CVD diagnosis by decades.
• Vascular aging is a continuous process influenced by cellular respiration, oxidative stress, and epigenetic changes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the literature on endothelial dysfunction (ED) as a key aspect of cardiovascular aging.
• To highlight the role of inflammation in the development of ED.
• To discuss lifestyle interventions for mitigating age-related vascular dysfunction.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on vascular aging, endothelial dysfunction, and inflammation.
• Analysis of molecular and cellular mechanisms linking aging to ED.
• Examination of the influence of lifestyle factors on inflammation and vascular health.

Main Results:

• Vascular aging involves a continuum from cellular respiration to epigenetic modifications and immune cell modulation.
• Inflammation, influenced by lifestyle factors like visceral fat and gut microbiota, drives ED.
• Endothelial cell function is progressively lost due to age-related inflammatory processes.

Conclusions:

• Endothelial dysfunction is intrinsically linked to cardiovascular aging.
• Inflammation plays a critical role in the development of age-related vascular dysfunction.
• Targeting microvascular ED through lifestyle changes is crucial for preventing or delaying vascular aging and associated diseases.