1
|
Balan AI, Halațiu VB, Scridon A. Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Mitochondrial Dysfunction: A Link between Obesity and Atrial Fibrillation. Antioxidants (Basel) 2024; 13:117. [PMID: 38247541 PMCID: PMC10812976 DOI: 10.3390/antiox13010117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The adipose tissue has long been thought to represent a passive source of triglycerides and fatty acids. However, extensive data have demonstrated that the adipose tissue is also a major endocrine organ that directly or indirectly affects the physiological functions of almost all cell types. Obesity is recognized as a risk factor for multiple systemic conditions, including metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes mellitus, sleep apnea, cardiovascular disorders, and many others. Obesity-related changes in the adipose tissue induce functional and structural changes in cardiac myocytes, promoting a wide range of cardiovascular disorders, including atrial fibrillation (AF). Due to the wealth of epidemiologic data linking AF to obesity, the mechanisms underlying AF occurrence in obese patients are an area of rich ongoing investigation. However, progress has been somewhat slowed by the complex phenotypes of both obesity and AF. The triad inflammation, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction are critical for AF pathogenesis in the setting of obesity via multiple structural and functional proarrhythmic changes at the level of the atria. The aim of this paper is to provide a comprehensive view of the close relationship between obesity-induced oxidative stress, inflammation, and mitochondrial dysfunction and the pathogenesis of AF. The clinical implications of these mechanistic insights are also discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alkora Ioana Balan
- Center for Advanced Medical and Pharmaceutical Research, University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology “George Emil Palade” of Târgu Mureș, 540142 Târgu Mureș, Romania;
| | - Vasile Bogdan Halațiu
- Physiology Department, University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology “George Emil Palade” of Târgu Mureș, 540142 Târgu Mureș, Romania;
| | - Alina Scridon
- Center for Advanced Medical and Pharmaceutical Research, University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology “George Emil Palade” of Târgu Mureș, 540142 Târgu Mureș, Romania;
- Physiology Department, University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology “George Emil Palade” of Târgu Mureș, 540142 Târgu Mureș, Romania;
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Ungvari Z, Fazekas-Pongor V, Csiszar A, Kunutsor SK. The multifaceted benefits of walking for healthy aging: from Blue Zones to molecular mechanisms. GeroScience 2023; 45:3211-3239. [PMID: 37495893 PMCID: PMC10643563 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-023-00873-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Physical activity, including walking, has numerous health benefits in older adults, supported by a plethora of observational and interventional studies. Walking decreases the risk or severity of various health outcomes such as cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes mellitus, cognitive impairment and dementia, while also improving mental well-being, sleep, and longevity. Dose-response relationships for walking duration and intensity are established for adverse cardiovascular outcomes. Walking's favorable effects on cardiovascular risk factors are attributed to its impact on circulatory, cardiopulmonary, and immune function. Meeting current physical activity guidelines by walking briskly for 30 min per day for 5 days can reduce the risk of several age-associated diseases. Additionally, low-intensity physical exercise, including walking, exerts anti-aging effects and helps prevent age-related diseases, making it a powerful tool for promoting healthy aging. This is exemplified by the lifestyles of individuals in Blue Zones, regions of the world with the highest concentration of centenarians. Walking and other low-intensity physical activities contribute significantly to the longevity of individuals in these regions, with walking being an integral part of their daily lives. Thus, incorporating walking into daily routines and encouraging walking-based physical activity interventions can be an effective strategy for promoting healthy aging and improving health outcomes in all populations. The goal of this review is to provide an overview of the vast and consistent evidence supporting the health benefits of physical activity, with a specific focus on walking, and to discuss the impact of walking on various health outcomes, including the prevention of age-related diseases. Furthermore, this review will delve into the evidence on the impact of walking and low-intensity physical activity on specific molecular and cellular mechanisms of aging, providing insights into the underlying biological mechanisms through which walking exerts its beneficial anti-aging effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zoltan Ungvari
- Vascular Cognitive Impairment, Neurodegeneration and Healthy Brain Aging Program, Department of Neurosurgery, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA.
- Oklahoma Center for Geroscience and Healthy Brain Aging, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA.
- International Training Program in Geroscience, Doctoral School of Basic and Translational Medicine/Department of Public Health, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, College of Public Health, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA.
| | | | - Anna Csiszar
- Vascular Cognitive Impairment, Neurodegeneration and Healthy Brain Aging Program, Department of Neurosurgery, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
- Oklahoma Center for Geroscience and Healthy Brain Aging, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
- International Training Program in Geroscience, Doctoral School of Basic and Translational Medicine/Department of Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Setor K Kunutsor
- Diabetes Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester General Hospital, Gwendolen Road, Leicester, LE5 4WP, UK.
| |
Collapse
|