Effects and consequences of cardiac metabolism in the elderly

“We aim to explore the relationship between cardiac metabolism dysfunction and heart failure, emphasizing the need of innovative treatments to manage these interconnected cardiovascular conditions.”

BUFFALO, NY- September 4, 2024 – A new editorial was published in Aging (listed by MEDLINE/PubMed as "Aging (Albany NY)" and "Aging-US" by Web of Science), Volume 16, Issue 16 on August 19, 2024, entitled, “Cardiac metabolism in the elderly: effects and consequences.”

As noted in the paper, coronary artery disease (CAD) and heart failure (HF) are highly prevalent in the aging population, making them leading causes of death worldwide. As the heart ages, its ability to recover from myocardial infarction diminishes, leading to significant changes in energy utilization and eventually heart failure. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for developing new, targeted therapies.

In this editorial, researchers Mohammad Kasim Fatmi, Nadiyeh Rouhi, Lucian Lozonschi, and Ji Li from Nova Southeastern University Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, the University of South Florida in Tampa, Florida, and the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, Mississippi, explore the relationship between cardiac metabolism dysfunction and heart failure. They emphasize the need for innovative treatments to manage these interconnected cardiovascular conditions.

During the anaerobic conditions of myocardial infarction (MI), the heart shifts from fatty acid oxidation (FAO) to the less efficient glucose oxidation. A recent murine study by the researchers revealed that aged left ventricle tissue continues to rely on glucose oxidation post-MI, regulated by Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Kinase 4 (Pdk4), in contrast to younger tissue. This maladaptation in the left ventricle cardiomyocytes post-MI indicates a reduced capacity for the aged heart to recover cardiac output, potentially progressing towards HF.

"In summary, detailed mechanistic insights into Pdk4 and MIF (macrophage migration inhibitory factor) highlight their critical roles in cardiac metabolism and their potential as therapeutic targets for improving cardiac outcomes in the elderly post-MI.”

Continue reading: DOI: https://doi.org/10.18632/aging.206071

Corresponding author: Ji Li - jli3@umc.edu

Video short: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YZRM1509n1A

Keywords: aging, metabolism, heart failure, Pdk4

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About Aging-US

The mission of the journal is to understand the mechanisms surrounding aging and age-related diseases, including cancer as the main cause of death in the modern aged population.

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