Description:

Aging is a well-recognized risk factor for arterial and venous thrombosis. Yet, the mechanisms underlying aging-related thrombotic risk are poorly understood. Epidemiologic studies have shown increased levels of procoagulant proteins in the plasma in the elderly, while animal studies have identified endothelial dysfunction and oxidative stress as important contributors to the increased thrombosis. In this session, recent progress on the effects of aging on hypercoagulability and vascular biology will be reviewed through presentations on animal models of aging research, endothelial cell aging and epidemiologic studies.

Dr. Marc Hoylaerts will present a selection of mouse models of accelerated aging and highlight the impact of this type of aging on deregulation of hemostasis and vascular function. The parallel with human aging will be made and their characteristics as representative models of human aging and longevity will be discussed in the light of age-related human thrombogenicity.

Dr. Frank Faraci will review emerging evidence regarding a critical role for endothelial peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-g (PPARg) in protecting against vascular senescence and age-related vascular dysfunction. Endothelial dysfunction progresses with age, increasing the risk for vascular events and cognitive impairment.

Dr. Weihong Tang will describe the contribution of aging to the occurrence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) from population-based studies, including the changes in the plasma concentrations of coagulation factors and von Willebrand factor with aging. She will also discuss the interaction between genetic factors and aging in the epidemiology of VTE.