Approved Research

Microvascular dysfunction and aging-related phenotypes

Lay summary

Aims:

The ageing process yields structural and functional detriments to microcirculation, subsequently affecting various organ functionalities. These repercussions manifest in various microvascular ailments, such as coronary microvascular dysfunction and cerebral small vessel disease, among others. Our study seeks to elucidate the correlations between determinants (spanning lifestyle choices, environmental conditions, and biochemical markers) and microvascular diseases. By discerning these contributors, our ambition is to augment comprehension of these diseases, thereby underpinning scientific basis for prompt intervention and enhanced disease supervision.

Scientific rationale:

The ageing phenomenon poses one of the most significant challenges of our epoch globally. A surge in the senior demographic is evident; in 1950, a mere 5% of the global populace was 65 or older, which augmented to 9% by 2020. Projections from the World Health Organization anticipate that by 2050, one out of every five individuals will surpass 60 years. Consequently, age-induced maladies, notably cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, are amplifying in prevalence. The implications? An impending strain on healthcare infrastructure, caregiver capacity, and global economies.

Microcirculation, delineated as blood dynamics within arterioles, capillaries, and venules, holds paramount importance. These minuscule vascular entities, integrated within organs, are responsible for vital functions including tissue perfusion, oxygen transportation, and nutrient delivery. The ageing-induced microvascular anomalies play a pivotal role in the compromised functionality of diverse organs. These anomalies, stemming from age-induced microcirculatory alterations, jeopardize tissue oxygenation, nutrient transport, and waste elimination, detrimentally affecting organ systems.

Current literature offers a paucity of comprehensive examinations on the relationship between ageing and the cascading effects on microvascular health across multiple organs. Our endeavour is to systematically decipher this association, concurrently spotlighting potential risk contributors - genetic proclivities, lifestyle patterns, imaging changes, metabolic landscapes, environmental exposures, and potential gene-environment synergies - in the context of the UK Biobank, both cross-sectionally and longitudinally. We postulate that, beyond intrinsic mechanisms, extrinsic determinants may underpin the prevalence of microvascular conditions.

Project duration:

This project is expected to last for 3 years.

Public health impact:

The results of this project will increase our knowledge of microvascular diseases and identify the risk factors that accelerated microvascular diseases. This may facilitate innovative strategies to promote health in our ageing population. By identifying key contributing factors, public health policies can be developed to help provide scientific evidence for early intervention and better disease management, mitigate the incidence of microvascular diseases, ultimately improving elder population health outcomes and reducing the economic burden.