Metabolic Regulation of Cardiovascular Aging

Abstract

Purpose of review: Metabolic changes can play a critical role in the structural and functional decline of the aging cardiovascular system. In this review, we examine how key metabolic pathways and regulatory mechanisms influence cardiovascular aging, highlighting recent studies into metabolic flexibility, mitochondrial function, nutrient sensing, and energy utilization in the aging heart. Potential metabolic-based interventions to mitigate cardiac aging are also discussed.

Recent findings: Various metabolic changes have been observed in the aging heart. Impaired metabolic flexibility, as seen by reduced fatty acid oxidation with an increased reliance on glucose, is observed. Mitochondrial dysfunction and increased oxidative stress in aged cardiomyocytes may lead to energy deficits, contributing to myocardial fibrosis and diastolic dysfunction. Accelerated cardiovascular aging is also connected to the dysregulation of nutrient-sensing pathways- such as AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), sirtuins, and the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR). Enhancing the age-dependent decline in autophagy and mitophagy, which clears damaged organelles, appears to preserve cardiac function in aging. Recent studies have shown that interventions such as caloric restriction, exercise, and metformin can favorably remodel cardiac metabolism and delay age-related cardiac deterioration. Metabolic changes, including energy substrate shifts, mitochondrial oxidative stress, and impaired nutrient signaling, play a direct role in cardiovascular aging. Targeting these metabolic factors and pathways holds promise for alleviating age-associated cardiac dysfunction. Recent studies focusing on lifestyle or pharmacologic means of metabolic modulation provide and outline for the promotion of healthy cardiovascular aging, thereby reducing the burden of cardiovascular disease in the growing aging population.

Keywords: Autophagy; Cardiovascular aging; Metabolic flexibility; Metabolism; Mitochondrial dysfunction; Nutrient sensing.