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Molecular Insight into Cardiovascular and Brain Aging

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Biology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 September 2023) | Viewed by 5779

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG, 4070 Basel, Switzerland
Interests: neuropsychopharmacology; cognitive dysfunction
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

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Guest Editor
1. Geriatric Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy
2. Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
Interests: aging; longevity; cognitive decline; biomarkers; inflammation; cellular bioenergetics
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

During the last century, the proportion of older adults has rapidly increased, generating enormous costs for the national healthcare systems. Indeed, the aging process is associated with organ/cell functionality alteration, leading to more frequent and severe diseases than those observed at a younger age. For instance, age-related neuronal transmission and function changes mean that neurodegenerative conditions such as Parkinson's or Alzheimer's disease are more common in older people. Similarly, the adverse effects on the vasculature and the heart, which are observed with aging, contribute to the development of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Many of these aforementioned aging-related diseases seem to cause less morbidity and mortality among centenarians, which are considered a "successful" or healthy aging model. Unfortunately, the explanation for this is not straightforward. Thus, there is a keen interest in understanding the molecular basis of aging and identifying a potential strategy to help with healthy and natural aging.

This Special Issue aims to collect all innovative research and review articles that address various aspects of the molecular mechanisms underpinning age-related modifications responsible for the onset of CVD and neurodegenerative disorders.

Dr. Alessandro Cannavo
Dr. Gennaro Pagano
Dr. Beatrice Arosio
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • aging
  • brain
  • cardiac
  • vascular
  • neurodegeneration
  • cardiovascular disease
  • mechanisms

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

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13 pages, 1501 KiB  
Article
Circulating Neurofilament Light Chain Levels Increase with Age and Are Associated with Worse Physical Function and Body Composition in Men but Not in Women
by Xavier Capo, Aina Maria Galmes-Panades, Cayetano Navas-Enamorado, Ana Ortega-Moral, Silvia Marín, Marta Cascante, Andrés Sánchez-Polo, Luis Masmiquel, Margalida Torrens-Mas and Marta Gonzalez-Freire
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(16), 12751; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms241612751 - 13 Aug 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1872
Abstract
This study aimed to assess the relationship between age-related changes in Neurofilament Light Chain (NFL), a marker of neuronal function, and various factors including muscle function, body composition, and metabolomic markers. The study included 40 participants, aged 20 to 85 years. NFL levels [...] Read more.
This study aimed to assess the relationship between age-related changes in Neurofilament Light Chain (NFL), a marker of neuronal function, and various factors including muscle function, body composition, and metabolomic markers. The study included 40 participants, aged 20 to 85 years. NFL levels were measured, and muscle function, body composition, and metabolomic markers were assessed. NFL levels increased significantly with age, particularly in men. Negative correlations were found between NFL levels and measures of muscle function, such as grip strength, walking speed, and chair test performance, indicating a decline in muscle performance with increasing NFL. These associations were more pronounced in men. NFL levels also negatively correlated with muscle quality in men, as measured by 50 kHz phase angle. In terms of body composition, NFL was positively correlated with markers of fat mass and negatively correlated with markers of muscle mass, predominantly in men. Metabolomic analysis revealed significant associations between NFL levels and specific metabolites, with gender-dependent relationships observed. This study provides insights into the relationship between circulating serum NFL, muscle function, and aging. Our findings hint at circulating NFL as a potential early marker of age-associated neurodegenerative processes, especially in men. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Insight into Cardiovascular and Brain Aging)
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Review

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15 pages, 645 KiB  
Review
Genetics of Multiple System Atrophy and Progressive Supranuclear Palsy: A Systemized Review of the Literature
by Anastasia Bougea
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(6), 5281; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24065281 - 9 Mar 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3228
Abstract
Multiple system atrophy (MSA) and progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) are uncommon multifactorial atypical Parkinsonian syndromes, expressed by various clinical features. MSA and PSP are commonly considered sporadic neurodegenerative disorders; however, our understanding is improving of their genetic framework. The purpose of this study [...] Read more.
Multiple system atrophy (MSA) and progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) are uncommon multifactorial atypical Parkinsonian syndromes, expressed by various clinical features. MSA and PSP are commonly considered sporadic neurodegenerative disorders; however, our understanding is improving of their genetic framework. The purpose of this study was to critically review the genetics of MSA and PSP and their involvement in the pathogenesis. A systemized literature search of PubMed and MEDLINE was performed up to 1 January 2023. Narrative synthesis of the results was undertaken. In total, 43 studies were analyzed. Although familial MSA cases have been reported, the hereditary nature could not be demonstrated. COQ2 mutations were involved in familial and sporadic MSA, without being reproduced in various clinical populations. In terms of the genetics of the cohort, synuclein alpha (SNCA) polymorphisms were correlated with an elevated likelihood of manifesting MSA in Caucasians, but a causal effect relationship could not be demonstrated. Fifteen MAPT mutations were linked with PSP. Leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) is an infrequent monogenic mutation of PSP. Dynactin subunit 1 (DCTN1) mutations may imitate the PSP phenotype. GWAS have noted many risk loci of PSP (STX6 and EIF2AK3), suggesting pathogenetic mechanisms related to PSP. Despite the limited evidence, it seems that genetics influence the susceptibility to MSA and PSP. MAPT mutations result in the MSA and PSP pathologies. Further studies are crucial to elucidate the pathogeneses of MSA and PSP, which will support efforts to develop novel drug options. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Insight into Cardiovascular and Brain Aging)
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