The interactions of oxidative stress and inflammation with vascular dysfunction in ageing: the vascular health triad

Age (Dordr). 2013 Jun;35(3):705-18. doi: 10.1007/s11357-012-9402-1. Epub 2012 Mar 28.

Abstract

Oxidative stress and inflammation are increased with advancing age. Evidence suggests that oxidative stress and inflammation both lead to impaired vascular function. There is also evidence to suggest that inflammation may cause an increase in radical production leading to enhanced oxidative stress. In addition, oxidative stress may cause an increase in inflammation; however, the interactions between these factors are not fully understood. In this review, we propose the vascular health triad, which draws associations and interactions between oxidative stress and inflammation seen in ageing, and the consequences for vascular function. We review evidence suggesting that exercise may ameliorate the age-related decline in vascular function, through reductions in both oxidative stress and inflammation.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aging / physiology*
  • Blood Vessels* / metabolism
  • Blood Vessels* / pathology
  • Blood Vessels* / physiopathology
  • Cardiovascular Diseases* / metabolism
  • Cardiovascular Diseases* / pathology
  • Cardiovascular Diseases* / physiopathology
  • Endothelium, Vascular / metabolism
  • Endothelium, Vascular / pathology
  • Endothelium, Vascular / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Inflammation* / metabolism
  • Inflammation* / pathology
  • Inflammation* / physiopathology
  • Oxidative Stress / physiology*
  • Reactive Oxygen Species / metabolism
  • Risk Factors

Substances

  • Reactive Oxygen Species