Researchers from a North American university consortium reported a link between the heightened risk of heart and blood vessel diseases in later life and DNA damage. The findings were published in a prominent aging science journal and underscore a connection that may help explain why cardiovascular conditions become more common as people age in both humans and model organisms.
In the study, scientists measured the extent of DNA damage—alterations in the chemical structure of cells—specifically within microvascular endothelial cells that line the tiny blood vessels in the lungs. These endothelial cells form a critical barrier and regulator for blood flow, and the researchers observed that damage accumulates over time. This pattern appeared consistently in both human tissues and in animal models, suggesting a conserved aging process that affects vascular health across species.
As DNA damage builds up, the structural and functional properties of blood vessels begin to change. The elastic quality of the vascular wall diminishes, resulting in arterial stiffness that hampers the efficient movement of blood. This stiffening can compromise the pressure dynamics within the circulatory system and reduce the efficiency of venous return. The study links these molecular changes to broader cardiovascular problems, including high blood pressure, stroke risk, and conditions such as varicose veins, demonstrating a plausible pathway from genetic-level alterations to organ-level dysfunction.
The researchers also noted that arterial cells appear to age early in the human body, which may set the stage for subsequent vascular decline. While the precise mechanisms remain to be fully elucidated, the evidence points to DNA damage as a contributing factor to the aging of the endothelium and its role in the onset of cardiovascular diseases. Further work is needed to determine how these molecular events interact with lifestyle, environmental factors, and genetics to modulate disease risk in diverse populations across the United States and Canada.
In addition to clarifying the aging processes of the vascular system, the study highlights the importance of early monitoring of endothelial health and DNA integrity. By understanding how damage accumulates and affects arterial function, researchers hope to identify potential interventions that can preserve vascular elasticity, sustain proper blood flow, and reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease as populations age. The implications of this line of inquiry span clinical practice, public health, and aging research, inviting ongoing investigation into protective strategies that support heart and vessel health throughout life.