Scientists from the University of Utah (USA), taking part in a research team, announced that the increased risk of cardiovascular diseases in old age is associated with DNA damage. The results of the study were as follows: published In Aging magazine.
Researchers assessed the extent of DNA damage (changes in chemical structure) in microvascular endothelial cells in the lungs of humans and mice. Endothelium is a layer of cells lining the inside of blood vessels. It turns out that damage accumulates as we age in both rodents and humans.
Over time, these chemical changes make blood vessels less elastic, leading to arterial stiffness. There is a loss of function necessary for adequate blood transport in the veins. Thus, DNA damage contributes to arterial dysfunction that leads to cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, stroke, and varicose veins.
Scientists also noted that arterial cells in the human body are among the first to age. More research is needed to better understand the role of DNA damage in the development of cardiovascular disease.
Russian scientists before determined Genes that determine the development of hypertension.