Figure 2.

Cytoskeletal dynamics in the aorta with ageing and functional consequences. In young aortas dynamic cytoskeletal remodeling maintains low levels of stiffness and normal blood pressure which allow normal blood flow to the high flow organs such as heart, kidney, and brain. With advancing age, a decrease in cytoskeletal dynamics increases the stiffness of the aortic wall. This causes an increased pulsatility of the blood flow leading to damage of the end organs. Therapeutic interventions are required to prevent age-related adverse cardiovascular effects associated with vascular stiffness. Peptides that reduce stiffness by blocking cytoskeletal interactions or other novel approaches are of interest as future potential therapeutics