Blood Flow And Angiogenesis: Major Mechanisms Mediating Healthful Longevity
As we get older, our bodies experience many changes, and the health of our blood vessels is a crucial, yet often overlooked, factor in how well we age. New research highlights that maintaining strong blood flow and the body’s ability to grow new blood vessels, a process called angiogenesis, are vital for extending the period of our lives free from chronic diseases.
While people are living longer than ever before, the number of years we spend in good health, often referred to as our ‘healthspan,’ hasn’t increased at the same rate. A significant reason for this is that both blood flow and the formation of new blood vessels naturally decline with age. This decline contributes heavily to major age-related conditions like heart disease and heart failure.
Scientists have been investigating how these mechanisms contribute to a healthier aging process. A review of numerous animal studies revealed that improved blood flow and angiogenesis directly lead to better physical activity, preserved organ function, and stronger resistance to damage from insufficient blood supply. The factors behind this improved vascular health include not only hormones that stimulate vessel growth and protection for the energy-producing parts of our cells (mitochondria), but also a less-understood type of beneficial fat known as brown adipose tissue. For example, in one study, removing this special fat reversed the benefits of enhanced blood flow and new vessel growth, while transplanting it into other mice actually improved these functions.
These findings suggest that focusing on ways to boost blood flow and angiogenesis could be key to developing future therapies that help us not just live longer, but also enjoy more years of vibrant health.
Source: link to paper