Impact of Aging on Liver Cells and Liver Disease: Focus on the Biliary and Vascular Compartments

Abstract

The aging process is represented by the time-dependent decay in physiologic functions of living beings. Major interest has been focused in recent years on the determinants of this progressive condition due to its correlative relationship with the onset of diseases. Several hallmark features have been observed in aging, such as genetic alterations, mitochondrial impairment, and telomere shortening. At the cellular level, a senescent phenotype has been identified in response to aging that is characterized by a flat appearance, proliferative arrest, and production of specific molecules. The net effect of these cells in the course of diseases is an argument of debate. In fact, while the onset of a senescent phenotype may prevent tumor spreading, these cells appear to support pathological processes in some conditions. Several studies are now focused on clarifying the specific molecular pathways of aging/senescence in different cells, tissues, or organs. Biliary and vascular components, within the liver, have emerged as important determinants of some form of liver disease. In this review we summarize the most recent achievements on aging/senescence, focusing on the biliary and vascular liver system. Conclusion: Several findings, in both preclinical animal models and on human liver specimens, converge in supporting the presence of specific aging hallmarks in the diseases involving these hepatic compartments. (Hepatology Communications 2021;0:1-13).

The magnitude and associated factors of coagulation abnormalities among liver disease patients at the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital Northwest, Ethiopia, 2022

“…In this study, the young adult age (18–45) class has a 5.22-fold (95% CI: 1.26, 21.63) higher likelihood of being associated with abnormal APTT, whereas study participants in the old adult (> 45) age class have a 5.49-fold (95% CI: 1.21, 24.82) higher likelihood of being associated with abnormal APTT when compared with children (< 18). According to research, as one gets older, the liver's proliferative and metabolic functions may decline [ 32 ]. Since the regenerative capacity of the liver correlates with liver function [ 33 ].…”

Liver ischemia-reperfusion injury: From trigger loading to shot firing

“…[77] Age Advanced donor age is a predictive factor of graft loss and worsens post-transplant outcome in liver transplantation, [78] where endothelial dysfunction plays a key role. [79,80] Increasing donor age is associated with a greater severity of IRI on the time-zero biopsy. [81] In fact, severe IRI is an independent determinant of 1-year graft survival, a better predictor of 1-year graft loss and early graft dysfunction syndrome.…”

“…Advanced donor age is a predictive factor of graft loss and worsens post-transplant outcome in liver transplantation, 78 where endothelial dysfunction plays a key role 79,80 . Increasing donor age is associated with a greater severity of IRI on the time-zero biopsy 81 .…”

The Intestinal Barrier Dysfunction as Driving Factor of Inflammaging

“…Older age (>65 years) by itself may be associated with elevated liver enzymes, even in the absence of any overt disease [ 145 ]. The results of studies in various species, including humans, suggest that a loss of liver volume, decreased hepatic blood flow, and morphological changes, including changes of volume of hepatocytes and the accumulation of dense bodies, are the results of aging [ 143 , 146 , 147 ]. Data on aging-associated alterations of liver structure and function are still contradictory.…”