Comparison of Younger and Older Adult Vasculatures and Their Responses to Ischemic Insults
Younger VS Older
Functional Features
Efficient endothelial function VS Reduced endothelial function
Lower risk of thrombus formation VS Increased risk of thrombotic events
Efficient endothelium‐dependent relaxation VS Impaired endothelium‐dependent relaxation
Structural Features
More elastic and compliant VS Reduced elasticity and compliance
Less intimal thickening VS Increased intimal hyperplasia and atherosclerosis
Lower collagen deposition VS Higher collagen content
Greater density of collateral vessels VS Decreased collateral circulation
Oxidative Stress
Higher or regulated neovascularization VS Slower or impaired neovascularization
Better antioxidant defense mechanisms VS Diminished antioxidant defenses
Adequate NO production VS Reduced NO bioavailability
Regulated reactive oxygen species without cellular damage VS Increased oxidative stress and cellular damage
Inflammatory Response
Moderate inflammatory response VS Exaggerated inflammatory response
Balanced proinflammatory/anti‐inflammatory cytokine release VS Imbalanced proinflammatory/anti‐inflammatory cytokine release
Regulated leukocyte infiltration VS Dysregulated leukocyte infiltration
Responses to Ischemic Insults
Higher tolerance to hypoxia/ischemia VS Lower tolerance to hypoxia/ischemia
Intact vasoreactivity VS Impaired vasoreactivity
Faster clot resolution VS Slower clot dissolution
Enhanced repair capacity VS Impaired repair capacity
Faster recovery after ischemia VS Slower recovery postischemia
More robust angiogenic response VS Decreased angiogenic potential
Less severe reperfusion injury VS More severe reperfusion injury
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