Physiological and Pathological Vascular Aging

Abstract

Aging is a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Through aging, blood vessels become stiffer, less elastic and, thus, with less ability to contract. The objectives of this chapter are to review (i) recent progresses in the characterization of physiological and pathological vascular aging and (ii) in vitro platforms to study vascular aging. Initially, we will discuss the causes and biomarkers of vascular aging. Then we will discuss the main characteristics related to physiological and pathological aging including (i) altered ECM remodeling (e.g. composition, mechanical properties, degradation, calcification of the ECM during aging), (ii) enhanced fibrosis (e.g. causes and mechanisms), (iii) vascular cell dysfunction triggered by chronic oxidative stress, inflammation or senescence, and (iv) altered responses of vascular cells to flow shear stress. Finally, we will discuss in vitro systems to study vascular aging, particularly the effect of biomechanics in aged cells as well as the effect of drugs during vascular aging.