The Mechanism and Potential Therapeutic Strategies of Vascular Aging

As we approach the mid-21st century, more developing countries are progressing towards becoming developed nations. Advances in medical technology have resulted in the prolonged human lifespan and a sustained decline in birth rates, leading to a growing proportion of the population being aged 65 and above. The aging process is associated with organ function deterioration, increased risks of age-related diseases, and a decrease in the quality of life for older adults. While there is ongoing debate about whether aging should be considered a disease or a natural physiological process, understanding the reasons for aging, identifying and measuring aging, and intervening in the aging process have become key topics in current medical research. Recent studies indicate that the rate of organ aging varies among individuals, with blood vessels being one of the organs that age first. Vascular aging increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases, overall mortality, and shortens lifespan. Therefore, in-depth research on vascular aging is crucial for understanding its impact on vascular and multi-organ function. In this review, we discuss the phenotypes caused by vascular aging, mechanisms of aging in various vascular cells, and potential therapeutic strategies for vascular aging.