Scientists find novel way to slow and even reverse aging of the heart
A new study examines how a lesser-known part of cell biology may impact the aging heart.Specifically, the scientists investigate the extracellular matrix, which helps support the structure of cells, among other things.The authors hope that their study might lead to innovative ways to slow and even reverse the aging of the heart.As we grow older, the body's organs and systems tend to slow and become less efficient, and the heart is no exception.According to the authors of a new study, the extracellular matrix (ECM) may play a pivotal role in the decline in cardiac function that we see with age. They hope that their research, which utilizes an innovative new material, may one day help us slow this process. Here, we will explain their study and what the future may hold. We will also provide tips for reducing heart aging that you can start today.What is the extracellular matrix?The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a network of molecules and minerals that sits between cells. Often referred to as the cell's 'scaffolding,' it plays many vital roles.Depending on where in the body it is, it generally provides structural support, stops different tissues from sticking together, enhances cell-to-cell communication, and assists in wound healing.Why does it matter for heart health? ECM and the aging heartAccording to the authors of the recent paper, which appears in Nature Materials, 'it is widely acknowledged that the mechanics, organization, and composition of the ECM vary with age.'They explain that these ECM changes may play a part in the stiffening of the cardiac muscle that occurs as we grow older. Age-related changes trigger so-called cardiac fibroblasts, which can lead to fibrosis: A buildup of connective tissue, as seen in scarring.Although fibrosis is an important function and helps repair heart tissue after damage, when it is uncontrolled, it leads to a stiffer, less flexible ECM. In the case of the heart, this can make it less efficient at pumping blood.Focusing on the ECM is relatively novel. 'Most aging research focuses on how cells change over time,' explains Jennifer Young, senior author of the study and assistant professor at the Mechanobiology Institute of the National University of Singapore. 'Our study looks instead at the ECM and how changes in this environment affect heart aging.'DECIPHER: A hybrid biomaterial To help uncover the role of the ECM in heart health, the team designed a new, hi-tech model called DECellularized In Situ Polyacrylamide Hydrogel-ECM hybrid (DECIPHER).This model was created using heart tissue from a rat and a lab-created gel that shares physical properties with ECM.Previously, the authors explain, it was unclear whether changes in cell signaling or changes in tissue stiffness were most responsible for age-related declines in heart function.'The DECIPHER platform solves this problem,' explains Avery Rui Sun, first author of the study, in a press release. He explains how it allows 'researchers to independently control the stiffness and the biochemical signals presented to the cells — something no previous system using native tissue has been able to do.'In other words, they could adjust the model and see what happens when cell signalling occurs as it does in a young heart, but with an older, stiffer ECM. Conversely, they could mimic the biochemical signals of an aged heart with a young, flexible ECM. They found that 'young' cell signaling outweighed the negative effects of the stiffer ECM. In reverse, young cells placed on 'aged' ECM showed signs of dysfunction.This implies that 'the biochemical environment around aged heart cells matters more than stiffness,' explains Young.What does it all mean?Medical News Today reached out to Nishant Kalra, MD, an interventional cardiologist, chief medical officer at VitalSolution — an Ingenovis Health company — who was not involved in the study.'Surface molecules (ligands) found in young heart tissue can prevent the activation of fibrosis-promoting cells, even when the tissue is as stiff as aged heart tissue, which points to new ways to target the extracellular environment to slow heart aging,' he told us.Human studies next'This work provides a platform for identifying molecular mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets to prevent or reverse age-related cardiac dysfunction. While promising, human translation requires further validation, as the study used rat cells.'— Nishant Kalra, MDAlthough intriguing, it will be countless studies and many years before these results will lead to new treatments. However, there are many science-backed lifestyle changes that will support your heart as you age.How to protect your heart as you ageWe asked Kalra for some tips on maintaining heart health. 'For lifestyle-based prevention of heart aging, the most evidence-based strategies are:'Regular aerobic exercise: At least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity per weekAdherence to a healthy dietary pattern: Emphasize fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins while limiting saturated and trans fats, cholesterol, and sodium, such as by adopting the Mediterranean or DASH diets.Stop smoking: Tobacco damages blood vessels and increases the risk of heart disease.Adequate sleep: Aim for 7–9 hours of quality sleep per night. Sleep deprivation can negatively impact heart health.Weight management: Obesity is a major risk factor for heart disease. Stress reduction: Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as exercise, meditation, or spending time in nature.'These behaviors,' he continued, 'are consistently associated with reduced biological and cardiovascular aging, as shown in large epidemiological studies and supported by the American Heart Association.'MNT also reached out to Daniel Atkinson, MD, a family physician from the United Kingdom, working for a private healthcare company called Treated. He also advised reducing alcohol intake.'Keep it below 14 units (roughly 4–5 drinks) per week, avoid drinking more than 3 drinks in any one session, and give your body (and heart and liver) a break from alcohol for at least one continuous 48-hour period each week.'— Daniel Atkinson, MD'Excess alcohol consumption carries a few health risks,' Atkinson said, 'and among these is the effect it can have on raising blood pressure, which elevates your risk of heart disease.'He explained how drinking alcohol in excess can weaken the heart muscles, making it more difficult for the heart to pump blood around the body.
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After whooping cough struck, 'she was gone' Every night, Katie Van Tornhout rubs a plaster cast of a tiny foot, a vestige of the daughter she lost to whooping cough at just 37 days old. Callie Grace was born on Christmas Eve 2009 after Van Tornhout and her husband tried five years for a baby. She was six weeks early but healthy. 'She loved to have her feet rubbed," said the 40-year-old Lakeville, Indiana mom. "She was this perfect baby.' When Callie turned a month old, she began to cough, prompting a visit to the doctor, who didn't suspect anything serious. By the following night, Callie was doing worse. They went back. In the waiting room, she became blue and limp in Van Tornhout's arms. The medical team whisked her away and beat lightly on her back. She took a deep breath and giggled. Though the giggle was reassuring, the Van Tornhouts went to the ER, where Callie's skin turned blue again. For a while, medical treatment helped. But at one point she started squirming, and medical staff frantically tried to save her. 'Within minutes,' Van Tornhout said, 'she was gone.' Van Tornhout recalled sitting with her husband and their lifeless baby for four hours, "just talking to her, thinking about what could have been.' Callie's viewing was held on her original due date – the same day the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention called to confirm she had pertussis, or whooping cough. She was too young for the Tdap vaccine against it and was exposed to someone who hadn't gotten their booster shot. Today, next to the cast of Callie's foot is an urn with her ashes and a glass curio cabinet filled with mementos like baby shoes. 'My kids to this day will still look up and say, 'Hey Callie, how are you?'' said Van Tornhout, who has four children and a stepson. 'She's part of all of us every day.' Van Tornhout now advocates for childhood immunization through the nonprofit Vaccinate Your Family. She also shares her story with people she meets, like a pregnant customer who came into the restaurant her family ran saying she didn't want to immunize her baby. She later returned with her vaccinated four-month-old. 'It's up to us as adults to protect our children – like, that's what a parent's job is,' Van Tornhout said. 'I watched my daughter die from something that was preventable … You don't want to walk in my shoes.' ____ The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute's Department of Science Education and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
