Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 17, 2026

Simultaneous Isolation and Culture of Atrial Myocytes, Ventricular Myocytes, and Non-Myocytes from an Adult Mouse Heart
11:53

Simultaneous Isolation and Culture of Atrial Myocytes, Ventricular Myocytes, and Non-Myocytes from an Adult Mouse Heart

Published on: June 14, 2020

Chronic Infection and Cardiac Aging: a New Perspective on Pathogen-Associated Cardiomyopathy

Noah Walsh1,2, Sophia DeCesare1, Kavisha Patel3

  • 1Department of Biological Sciences, Binghamton University, Binghamton, NY, USA.

Cellular Physiology and Biochemistry : International Journal of Experimental Cellular Physiology, Biochemistry, and Pharmacology
|July 16, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Chronic infections accelerate cardiovascular aging and disease by promoting inflammation and cellular damage. Targeting infections is key to enhancing heart health and longevity in older adults.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Science
  • Gerontology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a leading cause of death globally, with aging as a primary risk factor.
  • Chronic infections are increasingly recognized as contributors to accelerated aging and cardiac dysfunction.
  • Inflammaging, a chronic inflammatory state, is exacerbated by persistent infections, mimicking natural senescence.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of chronic infections in premature cardiovascular aging.
  • To elucidate the mechanisms by which infections induce cardiac senescence and dysfunction.
  • To highlight anti-infective strategies for cardiovascular longevity.

Main Methods:

  • Review of emerging evidence on infection-induced aging phenotypes in the heart.
  • Analysis of molecular pathways including mTOR signaling, autophagy, and oxidative stress.
  • Examination of structural cardiac changes associated with chronic infection and immune dysregulation.

Main Results:

  • Chronic infections induce inflammaging, characterized by cytokine signaling and leukocyte infiltration.
  • Infections trigger cardiomyocyte senescence via mTOR dysregulation and impaired autophagy.
  • Mitochondrial dysfunction, ROS overproduction, and DNA damage contribute to myocardial exhaustion.
  • Immune subversion accelerates cardiac remodeling, hypertrophy, and fibrosis.

Conclusions:

  • Chronic infection is a modifiable driver of biological aging and cardiovascular disease.
  • Anti-infective strategies are crucial for promoting cardiovascular longevity.
  • Integrating anti-infective approaches into geriatric care is essential for heart health.

Keywords:
Chronic infection ; Cardiac aging ; Inflammaging ; Autophagy ; Mitochondrial dysfunction

More Related Videos

Isolation and Physiological Analysis of Mouse Cardiomyocytes11:02

Isolation and Physiological Analysis of Mouse Cardiomyocytes

Published on: September 7, 2014

Visualization of Streptococcus pneumoniae within Cardiac Microlesions and Subsequent Cardiac Remodeling08:25

Visualization of Streptococcus pneumoniae within Cardiac Microlesions and Subsequent Cardiac Remodeling

Published on: April 7, 2015

Related Concept Videos

Myocarditis I: Introduction01:21

Myocarditis I: Introduction

Myocarditis is inflammation of the myocardium, which is the muscular layer of the heart.EtiologyMyocarditis has a diverse etiology, including a wide range of infectious and non-infectious causes:Infectious CausesViral: Common viruses include Coxsackie A and B, adenovirus, parvovirus B19, enteroviruses, and influenza A.Bacterial: Examples include infections caused by Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, and Mycoplasma species.Rickettsial: Infections like Rocky Mountain spotted fever can result in...
Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy01:29

Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or HCM, is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder characterized by asymmetric left ventricular hypertrophy without ventricular dilation. It is more common in men and is typically diagnosed in young, athletic adults.EtiologyHCM is primarily genetic and is caused by mutations in genes encoding sarcomeric proteins. Researchers have identified over 1400 mutations across at least 11 different genes. Among these, the most frequently occurring mutations are found in the...
Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy01:30

Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Dilated cardiomyopathy, or DCM, is a progressive myocardial disorder characterized by ventricular chamber dilation and contractile dysfunction.EtiologyVarious factors can cause DCM, including hypertension and heavy alcohol intake, which contribute to the weakening and enlargement of the heart muscle. Viral infections, such as Coxsackievirus B, adenoviruses, and influenza, can lead to DCM by causing inflammation and damage to heart tissue. Certain chemotherapeutic agents, including daunorubicin,...
Cardiomyopathy I: Introduction and Classification01:25

Cardiomyopathy I: Introduction and Classification

Cardiomyopathy, or CMP, is a group of diseases affecting the myocardial structure, impairing its ability to pump blood effectively. This condition can lead to arrhythmias, heart failure, or sudden cardiac death.Cardiomyopathies are classified into primary and secondary categories:Primary Cardiomyopathy refers to conditions involving only the heart muscle that are often idiopathic (of unknown cause) or genetic. They primarily affect the myocardium without the involvement of other systemic...
Pathophysiology of Heart Failure01:17

Pathophysiology of Heart Failure

Heart failure (HF) is a progressive syndrome involving ventricles that leads to inadequate cardiac output. It can be classified based on location and output or ejection fraction. Ejection fraction (EF) is an essential measurement in the diagnosis and surveillance of HF. Reduced EF corresponds to systolic heart failure (HFrEF). However, HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is becoming increasingly prevalent. Also known as diastolic HF, this form of HF is related to aging. The...
Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction01:23

Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction

Rheumatic heart disease or RHD is a chronic condition that results from rheumatic fever, causing permanent damage to the heart valves.Etiology and Risk FactorsIt primarily arises from rheumatic fever, an inflammatory disease that can develop after untreated or inadequately treated group A streptococcal (GAS) pharyngitis. Streptococcus spreads through direct contact with oral or respiratory secretions. While the bacteria are the causative agents, factors like malnutrition, overcrowding, poor...