Cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying cardiovascular aging

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Science
• Gerontology
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Aging is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), increasing global mortality and healthcare costs.
• Aging-related molecular and cellular changes, including genomic instability, telomere shortening, and loss of proteostasis, contribute to CVD pathogenesis.
• Key mechanisms in cardiovascular aging involve cellular senescence, inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and metabolic disturbances.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying cardiovascular aging.
• To explore the role of senescence and inflammation in accelerating age-related cardiovascular pathology.
• To discuss emerging therapeutic strategies for mitigating cardiovascular aging.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of recent insights into molecular and cellular mechanisms of cardiovascular aging.
• Analysis of the role of cellular and vascular senescence in CVD development.
• Examination of emerging therapeutic targets and strategies.

Main Results:

• Aging-associated molecular alterations are fundamental to the pathogenesis of heart failure, arrhythmia, cardiomyopathy, myocardial infarction, and atherosclerosis.
• Cellular and vascular senescence significantly exacerbate the progression of age-related cardiovascular diseases.
• Therapeutic interventions targeting metabolic regulation, senescence, oxidative stress, and utilizing regenerative medicine show promise.

Conclusions:

• Understanding the molecular underpinnings of cardiovascular aging is crucial for developing effective interventions.
• Targeting senescence, inflammation, and metabolic dysfunction presents viable therapeutic avenues for cardiovascular aging.
• Emerging strategies offer potential to mitigate cardiovascular pathology and improve outcomes in aging populations.