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- A new study will examine how little-known parts of cell biology affect the aging heart.
- Specifically, scientists can help to investigate the extracellular matrix and support the structure of the cell.
- The authors hope that their research may lead to innovative ways to slow and reverse cardiac aging.
As we age, our body organs and systems tend to slow down and become less efficient, and the heart is no exception.
According to the authors of a new study, extracellular matrix (ECM) can play a pivotal role in the decline in cardiac function seen with age.
They hope that their research, which utilizes innovative new materials, may help slow this process one day. Here we will explain their research and what the future holds.
It also offers tips to help reduce heart aging that you can start today.
Depending on where it is in the body, it generally provides structural support, stops different tissues from sticking together, enhances cell-to-cell communication and assists in wound healing.
Why is it important to heart health?
According to the author of a recent paper featured in
They explain that these changes in ECM can be involved in the stiffening of myocardium, which occurs as we age. Changes associated with age cause what is known as cardiac fibroblasts. This can lead to fibrosis: accumulation of connective tissue, as seen in scars.
Fibrosis is an important function and helps in the repair of cardiac tissue after injury, but if not controlled, it leads to stiff and less flexible ECM. In the case of the heart, this can make it Blood pumping is not very efficient.
Focusing on ECM is relatively novel. “Most aging studies focus on how cells change over time.” I’ll explain it Jennifer YoungSenior Author and Assistant Professor of Research at the Institute of Mechanical Biology, National University of Singapore. “Our research instead looks at ECM and how this environmental change affects cardiac aging.”
To clarify the role of ECM in heart health, the team designed a new high-tech model to decellularize in situ polyacrylamide hydrogel-ECM hybrids (Decipher).
This model was created using a gel created in a lab that shares cardiac tissue from rats and physical properties with ECM.
Previously, the authors explained that it was unclear whether alterations in cell signaling or tissue stiffness caused age-related declines in cardiac function.
“The Decipher platform solves this problem,” explains Avery Louis Sangthe first author of the study, press release. He explains how researchers can independently control the stiffness and biochemical signals presented to cells, something previous systems using native tissues could not do.
In other words, they can adjust the model and see what happens when cell signaling occurs, like in the younger heart, but in the older, stiffer ECM. Conversely, they were able to mimic the biochemical signals of the aging heart with a young, flexible ECM.
They found that “young” cell signaling outweighed the negative effects of stiff ECM. Conversely, young cells placed in “aged” ECMs showed signs of dysfunction.
This means that “the biochemical environment around older cardiac cells is more important than stiffness,” explains Young.
Today’s medical news I reached out Nishant Kara, MDinterventional cardiologist and chief medical officer of Vital Lysis – Ingenobis Health Company – was not involved in this study.
“The surface molecules (ligands) found in young heart tissue can prevent the activation of pro-fibrotic cells, even when the tissue is as hard as aged heart tissue.
Next, human research
“This study provides a platform for identifying molecular mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets for preventing or reversing age-related cardiac dysfunction.
– Nishan Kara, Maryland
It’s intriguing, but countless studies have led to new treatments, and many years ago. But as you get older there are lifestyle changes supported by many sciences that support your mind.
We asked Kara to give us some tips on how to maintain heart health. “The most evidence-based strategies for lifestyle-based prevention of heart aging are:
- Regular aerobic exercise: Aerobic activity of moderate intensity for at least 150 minutes or active intensity for 75 minutes
- Adherence to healthy dietary patterns: It emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins while limiting saturated fats and trans fats, cholesterol and sodium. Mediterranean or Dash diet.
- Stop smoking: Tobacco damages blood vessels and increases the risk of heart disease.
- Proper sleep: Aim for quality sleep of 7-9 hours per night. Lack of sleep can have a negative impact on heart health.
- Weight management: Obesity is a major risk factor for heart disease.
- Stress Reduction: Find healthy ways to manage your stress, such as exercise, meditation, and spending time in nature.
“These behaviors have been shown in large epidemiological studies and are consistently associated with reduced biological and cardiovascular aging, as supported by the American Heart Association.”
MNT I reached out to you again Daniel Atkinson, MarylandHe is a family doctor in the UK and works for a private medical company called Treated. He also recommended reducing alcohol intake.
“Keep below 14 units per week (about 4-5 drinks) and avoid drinking more than three drinks per session, and give the body (and the heart and liver) a break from alcohol for at least one consecutive 48 hours each week.”
– Daniel Atkinson, Maryland
“Excessive alcohol consumption poses some health risks,” Atkinson said.
He explained how excessive alcohol can weaken the heart muscle, making it more difficult for the heart to pump blood around the body.
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