Mechanisms of Vascular Aging, A Geroscience Perspective

Age-related pathological alterations of the vasculature have a critical role in morbidity and mortality of older adults. In epidemiological studies age is the single most important cardiovascular risk factor that dwarfs the impact of traditional risk factors. In order to develop novel therapeutic interventions for prevention of age-related vascular pathologies it is crucial to understand the cellular and molecular mechanisms of vascular aging. In this review, shared molecular mechanisms of aging are considered in terms of their contribution to the pathogenesis of macro- and microvascular diseases associated with old age. The role of cellular senescence in development of vascular aging phenotypes is highlighted and potential interventions to prevent senescence and to eliminate senescent cells for prevention of vascular pathologies are presented. The evidence supporting a role for inter-organ communication and circulating pro-geronic and anti-geronic factors in vascular aging is discussed.