Novel Strategies for Neurovascular Longevity During Aging

Abstract

Globally, approximately 400 million individuals suffer from central nervous system disorders that can involve the neurovascular system and are related to aging, such as presenile dementia, Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease, ischemic brain disease, and cancer-related disorders. However, what may be of even greater significance to the brain and body is the association of these disorders with oxidative stress and the release of reactive oxygen species. Oxidative stress leads to the destruction of a number of cell types and tissues through apoptotic pathways that involve both early membrane changes and immune cell activation as well as end-stage nuclear degradation. For the development of new therapeutic strategies that are directed against disorders of the neurovascular system, novel investigations that blend basic research with clinical trials are necessary to expand our understanding of the multiple cellular pathways involved. In this regard, pathways such as those that pertain to the mammalian forkhead family of the “O” class (FoxOs), the growth factor and cytokine erythropoietin (EPO), protein kinase B, and Wingless may provide hope for individuals that suffer from neurovascular disorders related to aging and oxidative stress. In addition, these pathways not only serve as biomarkers that sometimes predict clinical outcome but also govern the development of stem cells, cardiovascular function, immune system recognition, cellular survival and longevity, metabolic disease, and cancer progression. As our knowledge increases of the intimate relationships that link these unique cellular pathways, initiation of new treatments for aging and oxidative stress should allow for highly successful clinical outcomes with limited or absent detrimental results.