The interactions of oxidative stress and inflammation with vascular dysfunction in ageing: the vascular health triad

Abstract

Oxidative stress and inflammation are increased with advancing age. Evidence suggests that oxidative stress and inflammation both lead to impaired vascular function. There is also evidence to suggest that inflammation may cause an increase in radical production leading to enhanced oxidative stress. In addition, oxidative stress may cause an increase in inflammation; however, the interactions between these factors are not fully understood. In this review, we propose the vascular health triad, which draws associations and interactions between oxidative stress and inflammation seen in ageing, and the consequences for vascular function. We review evidence suggesting that exercise may ameliorate the age-related decline in vascular function, through reductions in both oxidative stress and inflammation.

Fig. 1

Inflammatory response. Typical inflammatory response to a stimulus (infection, physical or mental stress). Blood leukocytes travel to the site of tissue damage through the actions of cytokine mediators (IL-1β, IL-8, IL-6 and TNF-α), disposing of foreign bodies

Fig. 2

The Vascular Health Triad. The relationships between oxidative stress, inflammation and vascular health are outlined briefly in this newly proposed model of vascular health

Fig. 3

The Progression of Ageing. Overview of the mechanisms that contribute to cardiovascular pathologies with age. Question mark represents potential additional mechanisms not discussed in current review