Endothelial dysfunction in aged humans is related with oxidative stress and vascular inflammation

REDD1 knockdown ameliorates endothelial cell senescence through repressing TXNIP-mediated oxidative stress

Endothelial cell senescence characterized by reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and chronic inflammation is widely recognized as a key contributor to atherosclerosis (AS). Regulated in development and DNA damage response 1 (REDD1), a conserved stress-response protein that regulates ROS production, is involved in the pathogenesis of various age-related diseases. However, the role of REDD1 in endothelial cell senescence is still unclear. Here, we screened REDD1 as a differentially expressed senescence-related gene in the AS progression using bioinformatics methods, and validated the upregulation of REDD1 expression in AS plaques, senescent endothelial cells, and aging aorta by constructing AS mice, D-galactose (DG)-induced senescent endothelial cells and DG-induced accelerated aging mice, respectively. siRNA against REDD1 could improve DG-induced premature senescence of endothelial cells and inhibit ROS accumulation, similar to antioxidant N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) treatment. Meanwhile, NAC reduced the upregulation of REDD1 induced by DG, supporting the positive feedback loop between REDD1 and ROS contributes to endothelial cell senescence. Mechanistically, the regulatory effect of REDD1 on ROS might be related to the TXNIP-REDD1 interaction in DG-induced endothelial cell senescence. Collectively, experiments above provide evidence that REDD1 participates in endothelial cell senescence through repressing TXNIP-mediated oxidative stress, which may be involved in the progression of atherosclerosis.

Role of mitochondrial homeostasis in D-galactose-induced cardiovascular ageing from bench to bedside

Ageing is an inevitable phenomenon which affects the cellular to the organism level in the progression of the time. Oxidative stress and inflammation are now widely regarded as the key processes involved in the aging process, which may then cause significant harm to mitochondrial DNA, leading to apoptosis. Normal circulatory function is a significant predictor of disease-free life expectancy. Indeed, disorders affecting the cardiovascular system, which are becoming more common, are the primary cause of worldwide morbidity, disability, and mortality. Cardiovascular aging may precede or possibly underpin overall, age-related health decline. Numerous studies have foundmitochondrial mechanistc approachplays a vital role in the in the onset and development of aging. The D-galactose (D-gal)-induced aging model is well recognized and commonly used in the aging study. In this review we redeposit the association of the previous and current studies on mitochondrial homeostasis and its underlying mechanisms in D-galactose cardiovascular ageing. Further we focus the novel and the treatment strategies to combat the major complication leading to the cardiovascular ageing.

Effects of plant- and animal-based-protein meals for a day on serum nitric oxide and peroxynitrite levels in healthy young men

Plant-based diets that replace animal-based proteins with plant-based proteins have received increased attention for cardiovascular protection. Nitric oxide (NO) plays an essential role in the maintenance of endothelial function. However, under higher oxidative stress, NO generation produces peroxynitrite, a powerful oxidant and vasoconstrictor. Diet-replaced protein sources has been reported to decrease oxidative stress. However, the effects of plant-based protein on NO and peroxynitrite have not yet been clarified. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the effects of plant- and animal-based-protein meals for a day on NO, peroxynitrite, and NO/peroxynitrite balance. A crossover trial of two meal conditions involving nine healthy men was performed. Participants ate standard meals during day 1. On day 2, baseline measurements were performed and the participants were provided with plant-based-protein meals or animal-based-protein meals. The standard and test meals consisted of breakfast, lunch, and dinner and were designed to be isocaloric. Plant-based-protein meals contained no animal protein. Blood samples were collected in the morning after overnight fasting before and after the test meals consumption. In the plant-based-protein meal condition, serum NOx levels (the sum of serum nitrite and nitrate) significantly increased, while serum peroxynitrite levels did not change significantly. Animal-based-protein meals significantly increased serum peroxynitrite levels but showed a trend of reduction in the serum NOx levels. Furthermore, serum NO/peroxynitrite balance significantly increased after plant-based-protein meals consumption, but significantly decreased after animal-based-protein meals consumption. These results suggest that, compared with animal-based-protein meals, plant-based-protein meals increase NO levels and NO/peroxynitrite balance, which reflects increased endothelial function.

Rapid weight change as a predictor of disability among community-dwelling Japanese older adults

AIM

To fill the knowledge gap regarding weight change and the onset of disability in community-dwelling Japanese older adults, we investigated the potential effects of rapid weight change on disability risk as defined by Japan's long-term care insurance (LTCI) system.

METHODS

We analyzed data from a longitudinal study of 10 375 community-dwelling older Japanese adults (≥65 years) who were not LTCI needs certified at baseline and joined the study from 2002 to 2005. Weight change (percentage) was calculated by subtracting participants' weight in the previous year from that measured during a physical examination at study commencement. The five weight-change categories ranged from sizable weight loss (≤ -8.0%) to sizable weight gain (≥ +8.0%). Disability was defined according to LTCI certifications at follow-up. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals were calculated for new-onset disability using a Cox proportional hazards model that fitted the proportional subdistribution hazards regression model with weights for competing risks of death.

RESULTS

During the mean 10.5-year follow-up, 2994 participants developed a disability. Sizable weight loss (HR [95% confidence intervals], 1.41 [1.17-1.71]) and weight loss (1.20 [1.05-1.36]) were significant predictors of disability onset. Sizable weight gain (1.45 [1.07-1.97]) corresponded to severe disability. Stratified analyses by lifestyle and initial body mass index categories revealed more pronounced associations between weight change and disability risk in the unhealthy lifestyle and below initial normal body mass index groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Rapid and sizable weight gain could be additional criteria for disability risk in older adults. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2023; 23: 809-816.

Association between soft drink consumption and carotid atherosclerosis in a large-scale adult population: The TCLSIH cohort study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Carotid atherosclerosis indicates an increased risk for cardiac-cerebral vascular disease. Given the pattern of consumption in China, sugar-sweetened beverage is the main type of soft drink consumed. As soft drinks contain a high amount of fructose, they may be a risk factor of carotid atherosclerosis. A prospective cohort study was conducted to investigate the association between soft drink consumption and the incidence of carotid atherosclerosis in a Chinese adult population.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A total of 3828 participants (men: 2007 and women: 1821) were included. Carotid atherosclerosis was measured by using ultrasonography and was defined by increased carotid intima-media thickness and/or carotid plaques. Soft drink consumption was assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was used to assess the association of soft drink consumption categories with the incidence of carotid atherosclerosis. During a mean follow-up of 3.20 years, 1009 individuals of the 3828 eligible participants developed carotid atherosclerosis. After adjusting for potential confounding factors, we compared the higher levels to the lowest level of soft drink consumption in women, and we estimated the multivariable hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals of incident carotid atherosclerosis to be 1.09 (0.80, 1.50), and 1.56 (1.14, 2.13) (P for trend <0.05). However, there was no significant association between soft drink consumption and the incidence of carotid atherosclerosis in men or total population.

CONCLUSION

The result indicated that soft drink consumption was associated with a higher incidence of carotid atherosclerosis in women.

TRIAL REGISTERED

UMIN Clinical Trials Registry.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

UMIN000027174. TRIAL REGISTRATION WEBSITE: https://upload.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr_e/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000031137.

New Dawn for Atherosclerosis: Vascular Endothelial Cell Senescence and Death

Endothelial cells (ECs) form the inner linings of blood vessels, and are directly exposed to endogenous hazard signals and metabolites in the circulatory system. The senescence and death of ECs are not only adverse outcomes, but also causal contributors to endothelial dysfunction, an early risk marker of atherosclerosis. The pathophysiological process of EC senescence involves both structural and functional changes and has been linked to various factors, including oxidative stress, dysregulated cell cycle, hyperuricemia, vascular inflammation, and aberrant metabolite sensing and signaling. Multiple forms of EC death have been documented in atherosclerosis, including autophagic cell death, apoptosis, pyroptosis, NETosis, necroptosis, and ferroptosis. Despite this, the molecular mechanisms underlying EC senescence or death in atherogenesis are not fully understood. To provide a comprehensive update on the subject, this review examines the historic and latest findings on the molecular mechanisms and functional alterations associated with EC senescence and death in different stages of atherosclerosis.

Upregulation of Orai Channels Contributes to Aging-Related Vascular Alterations in Rat Coronary Arteries

Vascular territories display heterogeneous sensitivity to the impacts of aging. The relevance of the STIM/Orai system to vascular function depends on the vascular bed. We aimed to evaluate the contribution of the STIM/Orai system to aging-related vascular dysfunction in rat coronary circulation. Vascular function was evaluated according to myography in coronary arteries from young (three-month-old) and older (twenty-month-old) rats. The effects of aging and STIM/Orai inhibition on the contraction and relaxation of the coronary arteries and on the protein expression of STIM-1, Orai1, and Orai3 in these vessels were determined. Aging-related hypercontractility to serotonin and endothelin-1 in arteries from male rats was reversed by STIM/Orai inhibition with YM-58483 or by specifically blocking the Orai1 channel with Synta66. The inhibitory effects of Synta66 on coronary vasoconstriction were also observed in older female rats. YM-58483 relaxed serotonin- but not KCl-contracted arteries from males. STIM/Orai inhibition improved defective endothelial vasodilations in aged arteries, even in the presence of NO synthase and cyclooxygenase inhibitors, but not in KCl-contracted segments. YM-58483 significantly enhanced relaxations to calcium-activated potassium channel stimulation in aged vessels. Increased protein expression of Orai1 and Orai3 was detected in arterial homogenates and sections from older rats. Upregulation of the Orai channel contributes to aging-related coronary dysfunction, revealing a potential target in reducing CVD risk.

Vascular mechanotransduction

This review aims to survey the current state of mechanotransduction in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and endothelial cells (ECs), including their sensing of mechanical stimuli and transduction of mechanical signals that result in the acute functional modulation and longer-term transcriptomic and epigenetic regulation of blood vessels. The mechanosensors discussed include ion channels, plasma membrane-associated structures and receptors, and junction proteins. The mechanosignaling pathways presented include the cytoskeleton, integrins, extracellular matrix, and intracellular signaling molecules. These are followed by discussions on mechanical regulation of transcriptome and epigenetics, relevance of mechanotransduction to health and disease, and interactions between VSMCs and ECs. Throughout this review, we offer suggestions for specific topics that require further understanding. In the closing section on conclusions and perspectives, we summarize what is known and point out the need to treat the vasculature as a system, including not only VSMCs and ECs but also the extracellular matrix and other types of cells such as resident macrophages and pericytes, so that we can fully understand the physiology and pathophysiology of the blood vessel as a whole, thus enhancing the comprehension, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of vascular diseases.

Dietary Arginine and Citrulline Supplements for Cardiovascular Health and Athletic Performance: A Narrative Review

The global market for nutritional supplements (NS) is growing rapidly, and the use of L-arginine (Arg), L-citrulline (Cit), and citrulline malate (CitMal) supplements has been shown to enhance cardiovascular health and athletic performance. Over the past decade, Arg, Cit, and CitMal supplements have received considerable attention from researchers in the field of exercise nutrition, who have investigated their potential effects on hemodynamic function, endothelial function, aerobic and anaerobic capacity, strength, power, and endurance. Previous studies were reviewed to determine the potential impact of Arg, Cit, and CitMal supplements on cardiovascular health and exercise performance. By synthesizing the existing literature, the study aimed to provide insight into the possible uses and limitations of these supplements for these purposes. The results showed that both recreational and trained athletes did not see improved physical performance or increased nitric oxide (NO) synthesis with 0.075 g or 6 g doses of Arg supplement per body weight. However, 2.4 to 6 g of Cit per day for 7 to 16 days of various NSs had a positive impact, increasing NO synthesis, enhancing athletic performance indicators, and reducing feelings of exertion. The effects of an 8 g acute dose of CitMal supplement were inconsistent, and more research is needed to determine its impact on muscle endurance performance. Based on the positive effects reported in previous studies, further testing is warranted in various populations that may benefit from nutritional supplements, including aerobic and anaerobic athletes, resistance-trained individuals, elderly people, and clinical populations, to determine the impact of different doses, timing of ingestion, and long-term and acute effects of Arg, Cit, and CitMal supplements on cardiovascular health and athletic performance.

Role of Endothelial Progenitor Cells in Frailty

Frailty is a clinical condition closely related to aging which is characterized by a multidimensional decline in biological reserves, a failure of physiological mechanisms and vulnerability to minor stressors. Chronic inflammation, the impairment of endothelial function, age-related endocrine system modifications and immunosenescence are important mechanisms in the pathophysiology of frailty. Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are considered important contributors of the endothelium homeostasis and turn-over. In the elderly, EPCs are impaired in terms of function, number and survival. In addition, the modification of EPCs' level and function has been widely demonstrated in atherosclerosis, hypertension and diabetes mellitus, which are the most common age-related diseases. The purpose of this review is to illustrate the role of EPCs in frailty. Initially, we describe the endothelial dysfunction in frailty, the response of EPCs to the endothelial dysfunction associated with frailty and, finally, interventions which may restore the EPCs expression and function in frail people.

Nutrition Strategies Promoting Healthy Aging: From Improvement of Cardiovascular and Brain Health to Prevention of Age-Associated Diseases

BACKGROUND

An increasing number of studies suggest that diet plays an important role in regulating aging processes and modulates the development of the most important age-related diseases.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the relationship between nutrition and critical age-associated diseases.

METHODS

A literature review was conducted to survey recent pre-clinical and clinical findings related to the role of nutritional factors in modulation of fundamental cellular and molecular mechanisms of aging and their role in prevention of the genesis of the diseases of aging.

RESULTS

Studies show that the development of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, cognitive impairment and dementia can be slowed down or prevented by certain diets with anti-aging action. The protective effects of diets, at least in part, may be mediated by their beneficial macro- (protein, fat, carbohydrate) and micronutrient (vitamins, minerals) composition.

CONCLUSIONS

Certain diets, such as the Mediterranean diet, may play a significant role in healthy aging by preventing the onset of certain diseases and by improving the aging process itself. This latter can be strengthened by incorporating fasting elements into the diet. As dietary recommendations change with age, this should be taken into consideration as well, when developing a diet tailored to the needs of elderly individuals. Future and ongoing clinical studies on complex anti-aging dietary interventions translating the results of preclinical investigations are expected to lead to novel nutritional guidelines for older adults in the near future.

Functional Role of STIM-1 and Orai1 in Human Microvascular Aging

The impact of aging on vascular function is heterogeneous depending on the vascular territories. Calcium regulation plays a key role in vascular function and has been implicated in aging-related hypercontractility of corpus cavernosum. We aimed to evaluate stromal interaction molecule (STIM)/Orai system involvement in aging-related vascular alterations in the human macro and microvasculature. Aortae specimens and mesenteric arteries (MA), obtained from 45 organ donors, were functionally evaluated in organ chambers and wire myographs. Subjects were divided into groups either younger or older than 65-years old. The expressions of STIM-1, Orai1, and Orai3 were determined by immunofluorescence in the aorta and MA, and by Western blot in the aorta homogenates. The inhibition of STIM/Orai with YM-58483 (20 μM) reversed adrenergic hypercontractility in MA from older subjects but did not modify aging-related hypercontractility in the aortic strips. Aging was related to an increased expression of Orai1 in human aorta, while Orai1 and STIM-1 were upregulated in MA. STIM-1 and Orai1 protein expressions were inversely correlated to endothelial function in MA. Circulating levels of Orai1 were correlated with the inflammatory factor TNF-α and with the endothelial dysfunction marker asymmetric dimethylarginine. Aging is associated with an increased expression of the STIM/Orai system in human vessels with functional relevance only in the microvascular territory, suggesting its role in aging-related microvascular dysfunction.

Synergistic protection of quercetin and lycopene against oxidative stress via SIRT1-Nox4-ROS axis in HUVEC cells

Oxidative stress is a potential factor in the promotion of endothelial dysfunction. In this research, flavonoids (quercetin, luteolin) combined with carotenoids (lycopene, lutein), especially quercetin-lycopene combination (molar ratio 5:1), prevented the oxidative stress in HUVEC cells by reducing the reactive oxygen species (ROS) and suppressing the expression of NADPH oxidase 4 (Nox4), a major source of ROS production. RNA-seq analysis indicated quercetin-lycopene combination downregulated inflammatory genes induced by H₂O₂, such as IL-17 and NF-κB. The expression of NF-κB p65 was activated by H₂O₂ but inhibited by the quercetin-lycopene combination. Moreover, the quercetin and lycopene combination promoted the thermostability of Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) and activated SIRT1 deacetyl activity. SIRT1 inhibitor EX-527 attenuated the inhibitory effects of quercetin, lycopene, and their combination on the expression of p65, Nox4 enzyme, and ROS. Quercetin-lycopene combination could interact with SIRT1 to inhibit Nox4 and prevent endothelial oxidative stress, potentially contributing to the prevention of cardiovascular disease.

Effect of Physical Activity/Exercise on Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Muscle and Vascular Aging

Functional status is considered the main determinant of healthy aging. Impairment in skeletal muscle and the cardiovascular system, two interrelated systems, results in compromised functional status in aging. Increased oxidative stress and inflammation in older subjects constitute the background for skeletal muscle and cardiovascular system alterations. Aged skeletal muscle mass and strength impairment is related to anabolic resistance, mitochondrial dysfunction, increased oxidative stress and inflammation as well as a reduced antioxidant response and myokine profile. Arterial stiffness and endothelial function stand out as the main cardiovascular alterations related to aging, where increased systemic and vascular oxidative stress and inflammation play a key role. Physical activity and exercise training arise as modifiable determinants of functional outcomes in older persons. Exercise enhances antioxidant response, decreases age-related oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory signals, and promotes the activation of anabolic and mitochondrial biogenesis pathways in skeletal muscle. Additionally, exercise improves endothelial function and arterial stiffness by reducing inflammatory and oxidative damage signaling in vascular tissue together with an increase in antioxidant enzymes and nitric oxide availability, globally promoting functional performance and healthy aging. This review focuses on the role of oxidative stress and inflammation in aged musculoskeletal and vascular systems and how physical activity/exercise influences functional status in the elderly.

Nitric oxide, aging and aerobic exercise: Sedentary individuals to Master's athletes

Aging is associated with a decline in physiological function and exercise performance. These effects are mediated, at least in part, by an age-related decrease in the bioavailability of nitric oxide (NO), a ubiquitous gasotransmitter and regulator of myriad physiological processes. The decrease in NO bioavailability with aging is especially apparent in sedentary individuals, whereas older, physically active individuals maintain higher levels of NO with advancing age. Strategies which enhance NO bioavailability (including nutritional supplementation) have been proposed as a potential means of reducing the age-related decrease in physiological function and enhancing exercise performance and may be of interest to a range of older individuals including those taking part in competitive sport. In this brief review we discuss the effects of aging on physiological function and endurance exercise performance, and the potential role of changes in NO bioavailability in these processes. We also provide a summary of current evidence for dietary supplementation with substrates for NO production - including inorganic nitrate and nitrite, l-arginine and l-citrulline - for improving exercise capacity/performance in older adults. Additionally, we discuss the (limited) evidence on the effects of (poly)phenols and other dietary antioxidants on NO bioavailability in older individuals. Finally, we provide suggestions for future research.

Angiotensin-(1-7), a protective peptide against vascular aging

Vascular aging is a complex and multifaceted process that provokes profound molecular, structural, and functional changes in the vasculature. Eventually, these profound aging alterations make arteries more prone to vascular disease, including hypertension, atherosclerosis and other arterial complications that impact the organism beyond the cardiovascular system and accelerate frailty. For these reasons, preventing or delaying the hallmarks of vascular aging is nowadays a major health goal, especially in our aged societies. In this context, angiotensin(Ang)-(1-7), a major player of the protective branch of the renin-angiotensin system, has gained relevance over recent years as growing knowledge on its anti-aging properties is being unveiled. Here, we briefly review the main actions of Ang-(1-7) against vascular aging. These include protection against vascular cell senescence, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects together with the induction of cytoprotective systems. Ang-(1-7) further ameliorates endothelial dysfunction, a hallmark of vascular aging and disease, attenuates fibrosis and calcification and promotes protective angiogenesis and repair. Although further research is needed to better understand the anti-aging properties of Ang-(1-7) on the vasculature, this heptapeptide arises as a promising pharmacological tool for preventing vascular aging and frailty.

The Role of MicroRNAs in Endothelial Cell Senescence

Cellular senescence is a complex, dynamic process consisting of the irreversible arrest of growth and gradual deterioration of cellular function. Endothelial senescence affects the cell’s ability to repair itself, which is essential for maintaining vascular integrity and leads to the development of endothelial dysfunction, which has an important role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases. Senescent endothelial cells develop a particular, senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) that detrimentally affects both surrounding and distant endothelial cells, thereby facilitating the ageing process and development of age-related disorders. Recent studies highlight the role of endothelial senescence and its dysfunction in the pathophysiology of several age-related diseases. MicroRNAs are small noncoding RNAs that have an important role in the regulation of gene expression at the posttranscriptional level. Recently, it has been discovered that miRNAs could importantly contribute to endothelial cell senescence. Overall, the research focus has been shifting to new potential mechanisms and targets to understand and prevent the structural and functional changes in ageing senescent endothelial cells in order to prevent the development and limit the progression of the wide spectrum of age-related diseases. The aim of this review is to provide some insight into the most important pathways involved in the modulation of endothelial senescence and to reveal the specific roles of several miRNAs involved in this complex process. Better understanding of miRNA’s role in endothelial senescence could lead to new approaches for prevention and possibly also for the treatment of endothelial cells ageing and associated age-related diseases.

Circadian rhythmicity of the thioredoxin system in cultured murine peritoneal macrophages

Macrophages play a pivotal role in atherosclerosis through a variety of events related to cellular oxidative stress. This process is mainly due to an excessive production of reactive oxygen species whose elimination occurs through antioxidant systems including the thioredoxin (Trx) system. In this paper, we investigated whether the Trx system would exhibit circadian rhythmicity in dexamethasone synchronized cultured macrophages and monitored the impact of the rhythmicity of Trx-1 on markers of atherosclerosis. We found that the clock-related genes BMAL-1, PER-2, CRY-1 and REV ERB α exhibited a robust circadian expression. However, the Trx genes family (Trx-1, Trx-2, TrxR1 and TXNIP) did not exhibit a circadian expression at the mRNA level in spite of the presence of E-box elements within the promoter regions of TrxR1 and TXNIP genes. Nevertheless, both Trx-1 and TXNIP exhibited a circadian expression at the protein level and proteasome inhibition abolished the rhythmicity of Trx-1. Moreover, we found a link between low Trx-1 level and elevated atherogenic markers such as 4-HNE, TNF-α and cholesterol accumulation in macrophages. Our results indicate that the Trx gene family does not exhibit the same circadian regulation and that the presence of E-box elements in the TXNIP promoter is not sufficient to ensure a circadian rhythmicity at the transcriptional level. In addition, since a link was found between a low level of Trx-1 protein during circadian rhythm and high levels of atherogenic markers, administration of Trx-1 at certain time points could be an interesting approach to protect against atherosclerosis development.

Role of Environmental Toxicants in the Development of Hypertensive and Cardiovascular Diseases

The incidence of hypertension with diabetes mellitus (DM) as a co-morbid condition is on the rise worldwide. In 2000, an estimated 972 million adults had hypertension, which is predicted to grow to 1.56 billion by 2025. Hypertension often leads to diabetes mellitus that strongly puts the patients at an increased risk of cardiovascular, kidney, and/or atherosclerotic diseases. Hypertension has been identified as a major risk factor for the development of diabetes; patients with hypertension are at two-to-three-fold higher risk of developing diabetes than patients with normal blood pressure (BP). Causes for the increase in hypertension and diabetes are not well understood, environmental factors (e.g., exposure to environmental toxicants like heavy metals, organic solvents, pesticides, alcohol, and urban lifestyle) have been postulated as one of the reasons contributing to hypertension and cardiovascular diseases (CVD). The mechanism of action(s) of these toxicants in developing hypertension and CVDs is not well defined. Research studies have linked hypertension with the chronic consumption of alcohol and exposure to metals like lead, mercury, and arsenic have also been linked to hypertension and CVD. Workers chronically exposed to styrene have a higher incidence of CVD. Recent studies have demonstrated that exposure to particulate matter (PM) in diesel exhaust and urban air contributes to increased CVD and mortality. In this review, we have imparted the role of environmental toxicants such as heavy metals, organic pollutants, PM, alcohol, and some drugs in hypertension and CVD along with possible mechanisms and limitations in extrapolating animal data to humans.

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Rising incidence of hypertension may be linked to chronic exposure with environmental toxicants.

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Urban lifestyle and alcohol intake may be responsible for increased incidence of hypertension among urbanites.

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Exposure with organic solvent, heavy metals and pesticides could also be contributing to the rise in blood pressure.

Early manifestation of aging-related vascular dysfunction in human penile vasculature-A potential explanation for the role of erectile dysfunction as a harbinger of systemic vascular disease

Advanced age is related to functional alterations of human vasculature, but erectile dysfunction precedes systemic manifestations of vascular disease. The current study aimed to simultaneously evaluate the influence of aging on vascular function (relaxation and contraction responses) in systemic human vascular territories: aorta (HA) and resistance mesenteric arteries (HMA) and human corpus cavernosum (HCC) and penile resistance arteries (HPRA). Associations of oxidative stress and inflammation circulating biomarkers with age and functional responses were also determined. Vascular specimens were obtained from 76 organ donors (age range 18-87). Four age-groups were established: < 40, 40-55, 56-65 and > 65 years old. Increasing age was associated with a decline in endothelium-dependent relaxation induced by BK in HMA (r = -0.597, p = 0.0001), or by ACh in HCC (r = -0.505, p = 0.0022), and HPRA (r = -0.601, p = 0.0012). Significant impairment was detected at > 65 years old in HMA but earlier in penile vasculature (> 55 years old). Age-related reduction to H2O2-vasodilatory response started before in HCC (56-65 years old) than in HA (> 65 years old). In contrast to relaxation responses, aging-related hypercontractility to adrenergic stimulation was homogeneous: contractions significantly increased in subjects > 55 years old in all tested vessels. Although not significantly age related, circulating levels of ADMA (r = -0.681, p = 0.0052) and TNF-α (r = -0.537, p = 0.0385) were negatively correlated with endothelial vasodilation in HMA but not in HCC or HPRA. Penile vasculature exhibits an early impairment of endothelium-dependent and H2O2-induced vasodilations when compared to mesenteric microcirculation and aorta. Therefore, functional susceptibility of penile vasculature to the aging process may account for anticipation of erectile dysfunction to systemic manifestations of vascular disease.

Pharmacological Blockade of NLRP3 Inflammasome/IL-1β-Positive Loop Mitigates Endothelial Cell Senescence and Dysfunction

The clinical relevance of IL-1β in chronic inflammation underlying atherosclerosis has been reinforced by recent evidence associating pharmacological inhibition of the cytokine with lower cardiovascular risk. Previously, we have demonstrated a direct involvement of IL-1β in endothelial senescence. Therefore, this can be a key mechanism contributing to the sterile inflammatory milieu associated with aging, termed inflammaging. In the present study, we have evaluated whether a positive feedback of IL-1β in the NLRP3 inflammasome via NF-κB could promote human endothelial senescence in vitro and murine endothelial dysfunction in vivo. Our results indicate that the NLRP3 inflammasome is pivotal in mediating the detrimental effects of IL-1β, showing that auto-activation is a crucial feature boosting endothelial cell senescence in vitro, which is paralleled by vascular dysfunction in vivo. Hence, the inhibitor of NLRP3 inflammasome assembly, MCC 950, was able to disrupt the aforementioned positive loop, thus alleviating inflammation, cell senescence and vascular dysfunction. Besides, we explored alternative NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitory agents such as the RAS heptapeptide Ang-(1-7) and the anti-aging protein klotho, both of which demonstrated protective effects in vitro and in vivo. Altogether, our results highlight a fundamental role for the hereby described NLRP3 inflammasome/IL-1β positive feedback loop in stress-induced inflammaging and the associated vascular dysfunction, additionally providing evidence of a potential therapeutic use of MCC 950, Ang-(1-7) and recombinant klotho to block this loop and its deleterious effects.

Physical Activity vs. Redox Balance in the Brain: Brain Health, Aging and Diseases

It has been proven that physical exercise improves cognitive function and memory, has an analgesic and antidepressant effect, and delays the aging of the brain and the development of diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders. There are even attempts to use physical activity in the treatment of mental diseases. The course of most diseases is strictly associated with oxidative stress, which can be prevented or alleviated with regular exercise. It has been proven that physical exercise helps to maintain the oxidant–antioxidant balance. In this review, we present the current knowledge on redox balance in the organism and the consequences of its disruption, while focusing mainly on the brain. Furthermore, we discuss the impact of physical activity on aging and brain diseases, and present current recommendations and directions for further research in this area.

Impact of a single bout of resistance exercise on serum Klotho in healthy young men

BACKGROUND

It has been shown that Klotho protects vascular endothelial function. Given that a single bout of resistance-exercise-induced hypertensive stimulus causes endothelial dysfunction, we postulated that acute resistance exercise would reduce serum Klotho levels. In this respect, the reduction in serum Klotho levels would be associated with the response of flow-mediated dilation (FMD). Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of acute resistance exercise on the Klotho response in serum. In addition, we examined the relationship between the serum Klotho and FMD responses following acute resistance exercise.

METHODS

Twelve untrained men participated in this study (20.4 ± 0.3 years). Following baseline measurements (blood pressure, blood collection, FMD), subjects performed leg extensions, which consisted of 10 repetitions for five sets at 70% of one-repetition maximum. After the exercise, measurement of blood pressure, blood collection, and FMD assessment were repeated for 60 min. We analyzed Klotho and endothelin-1 (ET-1) concentrations in blood serum.

RESULTS

As expected, the exercise significantly elevated blood pressure and led to decreased FMD (p < 0.05). However, Klotho concentrations were significantly increased following exercise (p < 0.05). No correlation was observed in Klotho and FMD responses following acute resistance exercise. However, there was a significant positive correlation between Klotho and ET-1 in response to resistance exercise (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the present study reveals that serum Klotho significantly increased following a single bout of resistance exercise. However, the increase in Klotho may not associate with the acute reduction in endothelial function.

Ageing-induced hypercontractility is related to functional enhancement of STIM/Orai and upregulation of Orai 3 in rat and human penile tissue

The role of STIM/Orai calcium entry system on vascular ageing has not been elucidated. We aimed to evaluate the influence of ageing on STIM/Orai signalling and its role on ageing-induced alterations of contractile function in rat corpus cavernosum (RCC) and human penile resistance arteries (HPRA) and corpus cavernosum (HCC). RCC was obtained from 3 months-old and 20 months-old animals. HPRA and HCC were obtained from organ donors of varied ages without history of erectile dysfunction. Aging was associated with enhanced norepinephrine (NE)- and thromboxane analogue (U46619)-induced contractions in RCC which were significantly inhibited by the STIM/Orai inhibitor, YM-58483 (20 μM). Other STIM/Orai inhibitor, 2-aminoethyldiphenylborate also reduced NE-induced contractions in RCC from aged rats. YM-58483 significantly reduced neurogenic contractions and potentiated neurogenic relaxations in RCC from aged rats. In HCC and HPRA, NE-induced contractions were significantly enhanced in older subjects (>65 years-old) but YM-58483 completely reversed ageing-related hypercontractility. Ageing did not modify STIM-1 and Orai1 protein expressions but Orai3 was significantly overexpressed in cavernosal tissue from old rats and older subjects. Contribution of STIM/Orai to cavernosal contraction increases with ageing together with increased expression of Orai3. Orai inhibition could be a potential therapeutic strategy to reduce ageing-related impact on vascular/erectile function.

Vascular smooth muscle stiffness and its role in aging

Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) are now considered important contributors to the pathophysiological and biophysical mechanisms underlying arterial stiffening in aging. Here, we review mechanisms whereby VSMC stiffening alters vascular function and contributes to the changes in vascular stiffening observed in aging and cardiovascular disease. Vascular stiffening in arterial aging was historically associated with changes in the extracellular matrix; however, new evidence suggests that endothelial and vascular smooth muscle cell stiffness also contribute to overall blood vessel stiffness. Furthermore, VSMC play an integral role in regulating matrix deposition and vessel wall contractility via interaction between the actomyosin contractile unit and adhesion structures that anchor the cell within the extracellular matrix. Aged-induce phenotypic modulation of VSMC from a contractile to a synthetic phenotype is associated with decreased cellular contractility and increased cell stiffness. Aged VSMC also display reduced mechanosensitivity and adaptation to mechanical signals from their microenvironment due to impaired intracellular signaling. Finally, evidence for decreased contractility in arteries from aged animals demonstrate that changes at the cellular level result in decreased functional properties at the tissue level.

Aging-Induced Impairment of Vascular Function: Mitochondrial Redox Contributions and Physiological/Clinical Implications

Significance: The vasculature responds to the respiratory needs of tissue by modulating luminal diameter through smooth muscle constriction or relaxation. Coronary perfusion, diastolic function, and coronary flow reserve are drastically reduced with aging. This loss of blood flow contributes to and exacerbates pathological processes such as angina pectoris, atherosclerosis, and coronary artery and microvascular disease. Recent Advances: Increased attention has recently been given to defining mechanisms behind aging-mediated loss of vascular function and development of therapeutic strategies to restore youthful vascular responsiveness. The ultimate goal aims at providing new avenues for symptom management, reversal of tissue damage, and preventing or delaying of aging-induced vascular damage and dysfunction in the first place. Critical Issues: Our major objective is to describe how aging-associated mitochondrial dysfunction contributes to endothelial and smooth muscle dysfunction via dysregulated reactive oxygen species production, the clinical impact of this phenomenon, and to discuss emerging therapeutic strategies. Pathological changes in regulation of mitochondrial oxidative and nitrosative balance (Section 1) and mitochondrial dynamics of fission/fusion (Section 2) have widespread effects on the mechanisms underlying the ability of the vasculature to relax, leading to hyperconstriction with aging. We will focus on flow-mediated dilation, endothelial hyperpolarizing factors (Sections 3 and 4), and adrenergic receptors (Section 5), as outlined in Figure 1. The clinical implications of these changes on major adverse cardiac events and mortality are described (Section 6). Future Directions: We discuss antioxidative therapeutic strategies currently in development to restore mitochondrial redox homeostasis and subsequently vascular function and evaluate their potential clinical impact (Section 7). Antioxid. Redox Signal. 35, 974-1015.

Vascular Aging in Rodent Models: Contrasting Mechanisms Driving the Female and Male Vascular Senescence

Increasing scientific interest has been directed to sex as a biological and decisive factor on several diseases. Several different mechanisms orchestrate vascular function, as well as vascular dysfunction in cardiovascular and metabolic diseases in males and females. Certain vascular sex differences are present throughout life, while others are more evident before the menopause, suggesting two important and correlated drivers: genetic and hormonal factors. With the increasing life expectancy and aging population, studies on aging-related diseases and aging-related physiological changes have steeply grown and, with them, the use of aging animal models. Mouse and rat models of aging, the most studied laboratory animals in aging research, exhibit sex differences in many systems and physiological functions, as well as sex differences in the aging process and aging-associated cardiovascular changes. In the present review, we introduce the most common aging and senescence-accelerated animal models and emphasize that sex is a biological variable that should be considered in aging studies. Sex differences in the cardiovascular system, with a focus on sex differences in aging-associated vascular alterations (endothelial dysfunction, remodeling and oxidative and inflammatory processes) in these animal models are reviewed and discussed.

Inflammatory Molecular Mediators and Pathways Involved in Vascular Aging and Stroke: A Comprehensive Review

There is an increase in the incidence of cardiovascular diseases with aging and it is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. The main cardiovascular pathologies include atherosclerosis, stroke, myocardial infarction, hypertension and stroke. Chronic inflammation is one of the significant contributors to the age-related vascular diseases. Therefore, it is important to understand the molecular mechanisms of the persistent inflammatory conditions occurring in the blood vessels as well as the signaling pathways involved. Herein, we performed an extant search of literature involving PubMed, ISI, WoS and Scopus databases for retrieving all relevant articles with the most recent findings illustrating the potential role of various inflammatory mediators along with their proposed activated pathways in the pathogenesis and progression of vascular aging. We also highlight the major pathways contributing to age-related vascular disorders. The outlined molecular mechanisms, pathways and mediators of vascular aging represent potential drug targets that can be utilized to inhibit and/or slow the pathogenesis and progression of vascular aging.

Reactive hyperemia correlates with the presence of sepsis and glycocalyx degradation in the intensive care unit: a prospective cohort study

Objective

To investigate whether reactive hyperemia measured by peripheral arterial tonometry correlates with markers of endothelial dysfunction and may be used to identify sepsis in critical illness.

Methods

A prospective study was performed using a cohort of critically ill patients. Endothelial dysfunction was assessed on admission by quantifying reactive hyperemia-peripheral arterial tonometry and plasma levels of endothelin-1, soluble E-selectin, endocan and syndecan-1. Septic patients were compared to patients without evidence of infection.

Results

Fifty-eight septic patients were compared to 28 controls. The natural logarithm of reactive hyperemia-peripheral arterial tonometry was negatively correlated with cardiovascular comorbidities, disease severity and plasma levels of soluble E-selectin (p = 0.024) and syndecan-1 (p < 0.001). The natural logarithm of reactive hyperemia-peripheral arterial tonometry was lower in septic patients than in controls (0.53 ± 0.48 versus 0.69 ± 0.42, respectively). When adjusted for age, the multivariable model predicted that each 0.1-unit decrease in natural logarithm of reactive hyperemia-peripheral arterial tonometry increased the odds for infection by 14.6%. m.

Conclusion

Reactive hyperemia-peripheral arterial tonometry is closely related to soluble E-selectin and syndecan-1, suggesting an association between endothelial activation, glycocalyx degradation and vascular reactivity. Reactive hyperemia-peripheral arterial tonometry appears to be compromised in critically ill patients, especially those with sepsis.

Effects of long-term air pollution exposure on ankle-brachial index and cardio-ankle vascular index: A longitudinal cohort study using data from the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand study

BACKGROUND

Ankle-brachial index (ABI) and cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI) are surrogate measures of atherosclerosis based on the functional performance of vessels, and are highly related to cardiovascular events. However, only a few longitudinal studies have been conducted on their associations with long-term air pollution exposure.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to examine whether long-term air pollution exposure is associated with ABI and CAVI in workers of the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) in the Bangkok Metropolitan Region (BMR).

METHODS

This longitudinal study included 1261 participants (age range, 57-76 years as of 2007) of the EGAT study (2007-2017). ABI and CAVI were measured in 2007, 2012, and 2017. Annual mean concentrations of particulate matter ≤10 μm in diameter (PM₁₀), sulfur dioxide (SO₂), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), ozone (O₃), and carbon monoxide (CO) were estimated by ordinary kriging using data from 22 background and 7 traffic monitoring stations in BMR between 2002 and 2017. Linear mixed-effects models were used to assess associations between air pollution (expressed as 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year average concentration) and ABI and CAVI (expressed as percent changes per interquartile range (IQR) increase in PM₁₀, O₃, NO₂, SO_2, and CO). We also applied the mixed-effect ordinal logistic models to calculate odds ratios (ORs) of having high or moderate CAVI per an IQR increase in air pollution.

RESULTS

After controlling for potential confounders, 1-year average CO was negatively associated with ABI, but not significantly (-0.48%, 95% CI: -1.03, 0.07). Three-year average NO₂ was positively associated with CAVI (6.67%, 95% CI: 0.21, 13.1). In contrast, 1-year average PM₁₀ was inversely associated with CAVI although the association was not significant. Although not significantly, 1-year average NO₂ and CO were positively associated with prevalence of high or moderate CAVI.

CONCLUSIONS

Although not statistically significant, long-term NO₂ and CO exposure was associated with ABI and CAVI in the participants of the EGAT study.

Caloric restriction enhances vascular tone of cerebral and mesenteric resistance arteries in aged rats

Vascular changes of tone and biomechanical properties induced by ageing increase the risk for cardiovascular diseases. Caloric restriction (CR) has been shown to protect against cardiovascular diseases and improve endothelial dysfunction in cerebral resistance arteries. We hypothesise that CR will enhance vascular tone and structural properties of cerebral resistance arteries and exert comparable beneficial effects on the systemic vasculature of aged rat model. Eighteen-month-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were feed either ad libitum or restricted to 60 % of calorie consumption up to 24 months of age, when body weight (BW) measurements were taken and functional and structural properties of resistance arteries were assessed using a pressure myograph. In cerebral arteries, CR increased myogenic tone (p < 0.001) and distensibility (p < 0.01) in response to intraluminal pressure and concentration-dependent constriction to KCl (p < 0.001). In mesenteric arteries constriction in response to KCl was increased (p < 0.0001) and wall thickness reduced (p < 0.01) in CR rats. BW was reduced (p < 0.0001) in FR rats. Our findings demonstrate that CR improves vascular tone of resistance arteries regardless the type of stimulus and independently of the vascular bed. CR may be a beneficial dietary approach to prevent age-related vascular diseases.

Glycine and N-acetylcysteine (GlyNAC) supplementation in older adults improves glutathione deficiency, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammation, insulin resistance, endothelial dysfunction, genotoxicity, muscle strength, and cognition: Results of a pilot clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Oxidative stress (OxS) and mitochondrial dysfunction are implicated as causative factors for aging. Older adults (OAs) have an increased prevalence of elevated OxS, impaired mitochondrial fuel-oxidation (MFO), elevated inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, insulin resistance, cognitive decline, muscle weakness, and sarcopenia, but contributing mechanisms are unknown, and interventions are limited/lacking. We previously reported that inducing deficiency of the antioxidant tripeptide glutathione (GSH) in young mice results in mitochondrial dysfunction, and that supplementing GlyNAC (combination of glycine and N-acetylcysteine [NAC]) in aged mice improves naturally-occurring GSH deficiency, mitochondrial impairment, OxS, and insulin resistance. This pilot trial in OA was conducted to test the effect of GlyNAC supplementation and withdrawal on intracellular GSH concentrations, OxS, MFO, inflammation, endothelial function, genotoxicity, muscle and glucose metabolism, body composition, strength, and cognition.

METHODS

A 36-week open-label clinical trial was conducted in eight OAs and eight young adults (YAs). After all the participants underwent an initial (pre-supplementation) study, the YAs were released from the study. OAs were studied again after GlyNAC supplementation for 24 weeks, and GlyNAC withdrawal for 12 weeks. Measurements included red-blood cell (RBC) GSH, MFO; plasma biomarkers of OxS, inflammation, endothelial function, glucose, and insulin; gait-speed, grip-strength, 6-min walk test; cognitive tests; genomic-damage; glucose-production and muscle-protein breakdown rates; and body-composition.

RESULTS

GlyNAC supplementation for 24 weeks in OA corrected RBC-GSH deficiency, OxS, and mitochondrial dysfunction; and improved inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, insulin-resistance, genomic-damage, cognition, strength, gait-speed, and exercise capacity; and lowered body-fat and waist-circumference. However, benefits declined after stopping GlyNAC supplementation for 12 weeks.

CONCLUSIONS

GlyNAC supplementation for 24-weeks in OA was well tolerated and lowered OxS, corrected intracellular GSH deficiency and mitochondrial dysfunction, decreased inflammation, insulin-resistance and endothelial dysfunction, and genomic-damage, and improved strength, gait-speed, cognition, and body composition. Supplementing GlyNAC in aging humans could be a simple and viable method to promote health and warrants additional investigation.

The Role of Oxidative Stress in Cardiovascular Aging and Cardiovascular Diseases

Aging can be seen as process characterized by accumulation of oxidative stress induced damage. Oxidative stress derives from different endogenous and exogenous processes, all of which ultimately lead to progressive loss in tissue and organ structure and functions. The oxidative stress theory of aging expresses itself in age-related diseases. Aging is in fact a primary risk factor for many diseases and in particular for cardiovascular diseases and its derived morbidity and mortality. Here we highlight the role of oxidative stress in age-related cardiovascular aging and diseases. We take into consideration the molecular mechanisms, the structural and functional alterations, and the diseases accompanied to the cardiovascular aging process.

Does eNOS derived nitric oxide protect the young from severe COVID-19 complications?

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Aging is the largest risk factors for severity and mortality in adult COVID-19.

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Severe cases of COVID-19 are related to vascular damage with evidence of direct viral infection in the endothelial cells.

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Increase risk of COVID-19 death are also highly related to disease with lower vascular Nitric Oxide (NO) level.

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Vascular viral defence by endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) derive NO may be the protecting factor for the young.

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eNOS polymorphism could potentially explain the disparity of COVID-19 mortality between Asian and non-Asian countries.

The COVID-19 pandemic poses an imminent threat to humanity, especially to the elderly. The molecular mechanisms underpinning the age-dependent disparity for disease progression is not clear. COVID-19 is both a respiratory and a vascular disease in severe patients. The damage endothelial system provides a good explanation for the various complications seen in COVID-19 patients. These observations lead us to suspect that endothelial cells are a barrier that must be breached before progression to severe disease. Endothelial intracellular defences are largely dependent of the activation of the interferon (IFN) system. Nevertheless, low type I and III IFNs are generally observed in COVID-19 patients suggesting that other intracellular viral defence systems are also activated to protect the young. Intriguingly, Nitric oxide (NO), which is the main intracellular antiviral defence, has been shown to inhibit a wide array of viruses, including SARS-CoV-1. Additionally, the increased risk of death with diseases that have underlying endothelial dysfunction suggest that endothelial NOS-derived nitric oxide could be the main defence mechanism. NO decreases dramatically in the elderly, the hyperglycaemic and the patients with low levels of vitamin D. However, eNOS derived NO occurs at low levels, unless it is during inflammation and co-stimulated by bradykinin. Regrettably, the bradykinin-induced vasodilation also progressively declines with age, thereby decreasing anti-viral NO production as well. Intriguingly, the inverse correlation between the percentage of WT eNOS haplotype and death per 100K population could potentially explain the disparity of COVID-19 mortality between Asian and non-Asian countries. These changes with age, low bradykinin and NO, may be the fundamental reasons that intracellular innate immunity declines with age leading to more severe COVID-19 complications.

Memantine, NMDA Receptor Antagonist, Attenuates ox-LDL-Induced Inflammation and Oxidative Stress via Activation of BDNF/TrkB Signaling Pathway in HUVECs

Atherosclerosis is a chronic cardiovascular disease and contributes to pathogenesis of most myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke. Additionally, N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor plays a crucial role in myocardial infarction and ischemic strokes. The aim of our study was to investigate the underlying mechanisms of memantine (MEM), the blocker of NMDA receptors, in the development of atherosclerosis. In our study, human umbilical vascular endothelial cells (HUVECs) were stimulated with low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) to establish an atherosclerotic cell model. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay and TUNEL staining were performed to detect the cell activity and apoptosis of HUVECs, respectively. The levels of inflammatory cytokines and malondialdehyde and the activities of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and caspase-1 were quantified with commercial assay kits. Finally, qRT-PCR assay and western blot analysis were carried out to determine the mRNA and protein expressions of inflammation-related genes in HUVECs. The results of the present study suggested that ox-LDL stimulation induced decreased viability of HUVECs, excessive inflammation, and oxidative stress, while these effects were counteracted by MEM treatment. Interestingly, MEM triggered the activation of BDNF/TrkB signaling pathway in HUVECs, and K252a, the inhibitor of the BDNF/TrkB pathway, abolished the suppressive effect of MEM on ox-LDL-induced inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis in HUVECs. Overall, MEM attenuated ox-LDL-induced inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis via activation of BDNF/TrkB signaling pathway in HUVECs, indicating that MEM may be defined as a novel and effective agent for atherosclerosis treatment.

Ruthenium red, mitochondrial calcium uniporter inhibitor, attenuates cognitive deficits in STZ-ICV challenged experimental animals

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder with cardinal features of cognitive dysfunction in an individual. Recently, the blockade of mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU) exhibits neuroprotective activity in experimental animals. However, the therapeutic potential of MCU has not yet been established in the management of AD. Therefore, the present study explored the therapeutic potential of either Ruthenium red (RR), a MCU blocker, or Spermine, a MCU opener, on the extent of mitochondrial calcium accumulation, function, integrity and bioenergetics in hippocampus, pre-frontal cortex and amygdale of ICV-STZ challenged rats. Experimental AD was induced in male rats by intracerebroventricular injection of streptozotocin (ICV-STZ) on day-1 (D-1) of the experimental protocol at a sub-diabetogenic dose (3 mg/kg) twice at an interval of 48 h into both rat lateral ventricles. RR attenuated ICV-STZ-induced memory-related behavioral abnormalities in Morris water maze and Y-maze tests. RR also attenuated ICV-STZ-induced decrease in the level of acetylcholine and activity of choline acetyltransferase and, increase in the activity of acetylcholinestarase in memory-sensitive rat brain regions. Further, RR attenuated mitochondrial toxicity in terms of reducing mitochondrial calcium accumulation and improving the mitochondrial function, integrity and bioenergetics in memory-sensitive brain regions of ICV-STZ challenged rats. Furthermore, RR attenuated the percentage of apoptotic cells in ICV-STZ challenged rat brain regions. However, Spermine did not alter ICV-STZ-induced behavioral, biochemical and molecular observations in any of the brain regions. These observations indicate the fact that the MCU blockage could be a potential therapeutic option in the management of sporadic type of AD.

Physical activity and exercise: Strategies to manage frailty

Frailty, a consequence of the interaction of the aging process and certain chronic diseases, compromises functional outcomes in the elderly and substantially increases their risk for developing disabilities and other adverse outcomes. Frailty follows from the combination of several impaired physiological mechanisms affecting multiple organs and systems. And, though frailty and sarcopenia are related, they are two different conditions. Thus, strategies to preserve or improve functional status should consider systemic function in addition to muscle conditioning. Physical activity/exercise is considered one of the main strategies to counteract frailty-related physical impairment in the elderly. Exercise reduces age-related oxidative damage and chronic inflammation, increases autophagy, and improves mitochondrial function, myokine profile, insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) signaling pathway, and insulin sensitivity. Exercise interventions target resistance (strength and power), aerobic, balance, and flexibility work. Each type improves different aspects of physical functioning, though they could be combined according to need and prescribed as a multicomponent intervention. Therefore, exercise intervention programs should be prescribed based on an individual's physical functioning and adapted to the ensuing response.

Quercetin Attenuates Atherosclerosis via Modulating Oxidized LDL-Induced Endothelial Cellular Senescence

Background and Aims

Endothelial senescence is an important risk factor leading to atherosclerosis. The mechanism of quercetin against endothelial senescence is worth exploring.

Methods

Quercetin (20 mg/kg/d) was administered to ApoE^-/- mice intragastrically to evaluate the effectiveness of quercetin on atherosclerotic lesion in vivo. In vitro, human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs) were used to assess the effect of quercetin on cellular senescence induced by oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL). Transcriptome microarray and quantitative RT-PCR was conducted to study the pharmacological targets of quercetin.

Results

ApoE^-/- mice demonstrated obvious lipid deposition in arterial lumina, high level of serum sIcam-1 and IL-6, and high density of Vcam-1 and lower density of Sirt1 in aorta. Quercetin administration decreased lipid deposition in arterial lumina, serum sIcam-1, and IL-6 and Vcam-1 in aorta, while increased the density of Sirt1 in aorta of ApoE^-/- mice. In vitro, quercetin (0.3, 1, or 3 μmol/L) decreased the expression of senescence-associated β-galactosidase and improved cell morphology of HAECs. And quercetin decreased the cellular apoptosis and increased mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) in dose-dependent manner, and decreased ROS generation simultaneously. Transcriptome microarray suggested 254 differentially expressed (DE) mRNAs (110 mRNAs were upregulated and 144 mRNAs were downregulated) in HAECs after quercetin treatment (fold change > 1.5, P < 0 .05, Que vs Ox-LDL). GO and KEGG analysis indicated nitrogen metabolism, ECM-receptor interaction, complement, and coagulation cascades, p53 and mTOR signaling pathway were involved in the pharmacological mechanisms of quercetin against ox-LDL.

Conclusions

Quercetin alleviated atherosclerotic lesion both in vivo and in vitro.

LOX-1: A potential driver of cardiovascular risk in SLE patients

Traditional cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors, such as hypertension, dyslipidemia and diabetes do not explain the increased CVD burden in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The oxidized-LDL receptor, LOX-1, is an inflammation-induced receptor implicated in atherosclerotic plaque formation in acute coronary syndrome, and here we evaluated its role in SLE-associated CVD. SLE patients have increased sLOX-1 levels which were associated with elevated proinflammatory HDL, oxLDL and hsCRP. Interestingly, increased sLOX-1 levels were associated with patients with early disease onset, low disease activity, increased IL-8, and normal complement and hematological measures. LOX-1 was increased on patient-derived monocytes and low-density granulocytes, and activation with oxLDL and immune-complexes increased membrane LOX-1, TACE activity, sLOX-1 release, proinflammatory cytokine production by monocytes, and triggered the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps which can promote vascular injury. In conclusion, perturbations in the lipid content in SLE patients' blood activate LOX-1 and promote inflammatory responses. Increased sLOX-1 levels may be an indicator of high CVD risk, and blockade of LOX-1 may provide a therapeutic opportunity for ameliorating atherosclerosis in SLE patients.

Pregnancy-associated venous insufficiency course with placental and systemic oxidative stress

The development of lower extremity venous insufficiency (VI) during pregnancy has been associated with placental damage. VI is associated with increased oxidative stress in venous wall. We have investigated potential disturbance/dysregulation of the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in placenta and its eventual systemic effects through the measurement of malondialdehyde (MDA) plasma levels in women with VI. A total of 62 women with VI and 52 healthy controls (HCs) were studied. Levels of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate-oxidase 1 (NOX1), 2 (NOX2), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), endothelial (eNOS), poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase PARP (PARP) and ERK were measured in placental tissue with immunohistochemistry and RT-qPCR. Plasma and placental levels of MDA were determined by colorimetry at the two study times of 32 weeks of gestation and post-partum. Protein and gene expression levels of NOX1, NOX2, iNOS, PARP and ERK were significantly increased in placentas of VI. eNOS activity was low in both study groups, and there were no significant differences in gene or protein expression levels. Women with VI showed a significant elevation of plasma MDA levels at 32 weeks of gestation, and these levels remained elevated at 32 weeks post-partum. The MDA levels were significantly higher in placentas of women with VI. Placental damage that was found in the women with VI was characterized by overexpression of oxidative stress markers NOX1, NOX2, and iNOS, as well as PARP and ERK. Pregnant women with VI showed systemic increases in oxidative stress markers such as plasma MDA levels. The foetuses of women with VI had a significant decrease in their venous pH as compared to those from HC women. The situation of oxidative stress and cellular damage created in the placenta is in coexpression with the production of a pH acidification.

Aging-related carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 1 signaling promotes vascular dysfunction

Aging is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and therefore of particular interest for the prevention of cardiovascular events. However, the mechanisms underlying vascular aging are not well understood. Since carcinoembryonic antigen‐related cell adhesion molecule 1 (CEACAM1) is crucially involved in vascular homeostasis, we sought to identify the role of CEACAM1 in vascular aging. Using human internal thoracic artery and murine aorta, we show that CEACAM1 is upregulated in the course of vascular aging. Further analyses demonstrated that TNF‐α is CEACAM1‐dependently upregulated in the aging vasculature. Vice versa, TNF‐α induces CEACAM1 expression. This results in a feed‐forward loop in the aging vasculature that maintains a chronic pro‐inflammatory milieu. Furthermore, we demonstrate that age‐associated vascular alterations, that is, increased oxidative stress and vascular fibrosis, due to increased medial collagen deposition crucially depend on the presence of CEACAM1. Additionally, age‐dependent upregulation of vascular CEACAM1 expression contributes to endothelial barrier impairment, putatively via increased VEGF/VEGFR‐2 signaling. Consequently, aging‐related upregulation of vascular CEACAM1 expression results in endothelial dysfunction that may promote atherosclerotic plaque formation in the presence of additional risk factors. Our data suggest that CEACAM1 might represent an attractive target in order to delay physiological aging and therefore the transition to vascular disorders such as atherosclerosis.

FABP4 levels in hypothyroidism and its relationship with subclinical atherosclerosis

Background/aim

The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship between serum fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4) levels and carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) in patients with hypothyroidism.

Materials and methods

Forty subclinical hypothyroidism patients, 40 overt hypothyroidism patients, and 40 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. Blood pressure, body mass index, CIMT, fasting blood sugar, creatine, alanine aminotransferase, lipid parameters, insulin, free thyroxine, triiodothyronine, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroid peroxidase antibody (anti-TPO), thyroglobulin antibody (anti-TG), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (Hs-CRP), and FABP4 levels of all participants were measured.

Results

Serum FABP4 levels were significantly higher in patients with subclinical and overt hypothyroidism than healthy controls (HCs) (P = 0.044 and P = 0.014, respectively). There was no significant difference in terms of FABP4 levels between patients with subclinical and overt hypothyroidism (P = 0.641). Serum TSH levels and serum FABP4 levels were positively correlated (r = 0.201, P = 0.039). CIMT was found to be higher in patients with subclinical and overt hypothyroidism than in HCs (P = 0.042 and P < 0.001, respectively). No correlation was found between CIMT and FABP4 levels (r = 0.038, P = 0.702). There was a positive correlation between CIMT and TSH, anti-TPO, anti-TG, triglycerides (TG), and total cholesterol levels. It was found that high TG levels were an independent factor that increased CIMT (r = 0.382, r2 = 0.146).

Conclusion

In patients with subclinical and overt hypothyroidism, the level of FABP4 increases and this increase is correlated with the increase in TSH level. It is thought that FABP4 does not play a role in atherosclerosis development in patients with hypothyroidism without metabolic disorder.

Rise and fall of elastic fibers from development to aging. Consequences on arterial structure-function and therapeutical perspectives

In the arteries of vertebrates, evolution has given rise to resilient macromolecular structures, elastin and elastic fibers, capable of sustaining an elevated blood pressure and smoothening the discontinuous blood flow and pressure generated by the heart. Elastic fibers are produced only during development and childhood, before being progressively degraded by mechanical stress and enzymatic activities during adulthood and aging. During this period, arterial elastic fiber calcification and loading of lipids also occur, all of these events conducting to arteriosclerosis. This leads to a progressive dysfunction of the large elastic arteries inducing elevated blood pressure as well as altered hemodynamics and organ perfusion, which induce more global malfunctions of the body during normal aging. Additionally, some arterial conditions occur more frequently with advancing age, such as atherosclerosis or aneurysms, which are called age-related diseases or pathological aging. The physiological or pathological degradation of elastic fibers and function of elastic arteries seemed to be rather inevitable over time. However, during the recent years, different molecules - including several ATP-dependent potassium channel openers, such as minoxidil - have been shown to re-induce elastin production and elastic fiber assembly, leading to improvements in the arterial structure and function or in organ perfusion. This review summarizes the changes in the arterial elastic fibers and structure from development until aging, and presents some of the potential pharmacotherapies leading to elastic fiber neosynthesis and arterial function improvement.

Short-term pharmacological activation of Nrf2 ameliorates vascular dysfunction in aged rats and in pathological human vasculature. A potential target for therapeutic intervention

Oxidative stress contributes to endothelial dysfunction, a key step in cardiovascular disease development. Ageing-related vascular dysfunction involves defective antioxidant response. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-like-2 (Nrf2), orchestrates cellular response to oxidative stress. We evaluated the impact of Nrf2-activation on endothelium-dependent and H2O2-mediated vasodilations in: aorta (RA), mesenteric artery (RMA), coronary artery (RCA) and corpus cavernosum (RCC) from ageing rats and in human penile arteries (HPRA) and corpus cavernosum (HCC) from erectile dysfunction (ED) patients. Relaxant responses were evaluated in organ chambers and wire myographs. Nrf2 content and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) were determined by ELISA. Superoxide and Nrf2 were detected by immunofluorescence. Pharmacological activation of Nrf2 with sulforaphane (SFN) improved NO- and endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor-mediated endothelium-dependent vasodilation and H2O2-induced relaxation in vascular beds from aging rats. SFN-induced effects were associated with increased Nrf2 (RMA, RCA) and reduced superoxide detection in RCA. Improvement of vascular function was confirmed in HPRA and HCC from ED patients and mimicked by another Nrf2 activator, oltipraz. Nrf2 increase and superoxide reduction together with HO-1 increase by Nrf2 activation was evidenced in HCC from ED patients. PDE5 inhibitor-induced relaxations of HPRA and HCC from ED patients were enhanced by SFN. Nrf2 short-term pharmacological activation attenuates age-related impairment of endothelium-dependent and reactive oxygen species (ROS)-induced vasodilation in different rat and human vascular territories by upregulation of Nrf2-related signaling and decreased oxidative stress. In ED patients target tissues, Nrf2 potentiates the functional effect of ED conventional pharmacological therapy suggesting potential therapeutic implication.

Inflammation as a mediator of arterial ageing

NEW FINDINGS

What is the topic of this review? This review summarizes and synthesizes what is known about the contribution of inflammation to age-related arterial dysfunction. What advances does it highlight? This review details observational evidence for the relationship of age-related inflammation and arterial dysfunction, insight from autoimmune inflammatory diseases and their effects on arterial function, interventional evidence linking inflammation and age-related arterial dysfunction, insight into age-related arterial inflammation from preclinical models and interventions to ameliorate age-related inflammation and arterial dysfunction.

ABSTRACT

Advanced age is a primary risk factor for cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death in the industrialized world. Two major components of arterial ageing are stiffening of the large arteries and impaired endothelium-dependent dilatation in multiple vascular beds. These two alterations are major contributors to the development of overt cardiovascular disease. Increasing inflammation with advanced age is likely to play a role in this arterial dysfunction. The purpose of this review is to synthesize what is known about inflammation and its relationship to age-related arterial dysfunction. This review discusses both the initial observational evidence for the relationship of age-related inflammation and arterial dysfunction and the evidence that inflammatory autoimmune diseases are associated with a premature arterial ageing phenotype. We next discuss interventional and mechanistic evidence linking inflammation and age-related arterial dysfunction in older adults. We also attempt to summarize the relevant evidence from preclinical models. Lastly, we discuss interventions in both humans and animals that have been shown to ameliorate age-related arterial inflammation and dysfunction. The available evidence provides a strong basis for the role of inflammation in both large artery stiffening and impairment of endothelium-dependent dilatation; however, the specific inflammatory mediators, the initiating factors and the relative importance of the endothelium, smooth muscle cells, perivascular adipose tissue and immune cells in arterial inflammation are not well understood. With the expansion of the ageing population, ameliorating age-related arterial inflammation represents an important potential strategy for preserving vascular health in the elderly.

The role of blood pressure in risk of ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke in type 1 diabetes

Background

Hypertension is one of the strongest risk factors for stroke in the general population, while systolic blood pressure has been shown to independently increase the risk of stroke in type 1 diabetes. The aim of this study was to elucidate the association between different blood pressure variables and risk of stroke in type 1 diabetes, and to explore potential nonlinearity of this relationship.

Methods

We included 4105 individuals with type 1 diabetes without stroke at baseline, participating in the nationwide Finnish Diabetic Nephropathy Study. Mean age at baseline was 37.4 ± 11.9 years, median duration of diabetes 20.9 (interquartile range 11.5–30.4) years, and 52% were men. Office systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were measured. Based on these pulse pressure (PP) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were calculated. Strokes were classified based on medical and autopsy records, as well as neuroimaging. Cox proportional hazard models were performed to study how the different blood pressure variables affected the risk of stroke and its subtypes.

Results

During median follow-up time of 11.9 (9.21–13.9) years, 202 (5%) individuals suffered an incident stroke; 145 (72%) were ischemic and 57 (28%) hemorrhagic. SBP, DBP, PP, and MAP all independently increased the risk of any stroke. SBP, PP, and MAP increased the risk of ischemic stroke, while SBP, DBP, and MAP increased the risk of hemorrhagic stroke. SBP was strongly associated with stroke with a hazard ratio of 1.20 (1.11–1.29)/10 mmHg. When variables were modeled using restricted cubic splines, the risk of stroke increased linearly for SBP, MAP, and PP, and non-linearly for DBP.

Conclusions

The different blood pressure variables are all independently associated with increased risk of stroke in individuals with type 1 diabetes. The risk of stroke, ischemic stroke, and hemorrhagic stroke increases linearly at blood pressure levels less than the current recommended treatment guidelines.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12933-019-0891-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Long Noncoding Competing Endogenous RNA Networks in Age-Associated Cardiovascular Diseases

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the most serious health problem in the world, displaying high rates of morbidity and mortality. One of the main risk factors for CVDs is age. Indeed, several mechanisms are at play during aging, determining the functional decline of the cardiovascular system. Aging cells and tissues are characterized by diminished autophagy, causing the accumulation of damaged proteins and mitochondria, as well as by increased levels of oxidative stress, apoptosis, senescence and inflammation. These processes can induce a rapid deterioration of cellular quality-control systems. However, the molecular mechanisms of age-associated CVDs are only partially known, hampering the development of novel therapeutic strategies. Evidence has emerged indicating that noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), such as long ncRNAs (lncRNAs) and micro RNAs (miRNAs), are implicated in most patho-physiological mechanisms. Specifically, lncRNAs can bind miRNAs and act as competing endogenous-RNAs (ceRNAs), therefore modulating the levels of the mRNAs targeted by the sponged miRNA. These complex lncRNA/miRNA/mRNA networks, by regulating autophagy, apoptosis, necrosis, senescence and inflammation, play a crucial role in the development of age-dependent CVDs. In this review, the emerging knowledge on lncRNA/miRNA/mRNA networks will be summarized and the way in which they influence age-related CVDs development will be discussed.