The Aging Aorta: Are We Only as Old as Our Endothelium?

Vascular Aging and Vascular Disease Have Much in Common!

“…Vascular aging has been linked to the shortening of telomeres, epigenetic changes, and cellular senescence in both endothelial cells and vascular smooth muscle cells, affecting cell function and morphology, as well as neoangiogenesis, which, in turn, impacts wound repair and tissue regeneration. [8][9][10][11][12][13] Notably, both senescence and telomere shortening are also features of aneurysmal tissue. 14 Aging is associated with changes in the immune system, for example, with evidence of reduced plasmacytoid dendritic cell number and reduced dendritic cell migration, 15,16 while increased clonal hematopoiesis with age contributes to multiple cardiovascular diseases.…”

“…Vascular smooth muscle cell and endothelial dysfunction also occur in aging, with older vessels having alterations in mitochondrial function and increased oxidative stress. 9,[32][33][34] Endothelial alterations in the NO pathway and NO-mediated vasorelaxation contribute to impaired vascular relaxation with age. 35,36 Aged vascular smooth muscle cells also show a decrease in structural proteins such as α-actin.…”

“…Vascular aging has been linked to the shortening of telomeres, epigenetic changes, and cellular senescence in both endothelial cells and vascular smooth muscle cells, affecting cell function and morphology, as well as neoangiogenesis, which, in turn, impacts wound repair and tissue regeneration. 8–13 Notably, both senescence and telomere shortening are also features of aneurysmal tissue. 14…”