Aging Problems
Conditions
Keywords
microcirculation, Laser Speckle Contrast Imaging, vascular aging
Brief summary
Rising life expectancy worldwide challenges public health due to increased cardiovascular disease linked to vascular aging, where microvascular dysfunction serves as an early indicator of system-wide inflammation, or "inflammaging". The proposed study aims to validate non-invasive, high-resolution techniques, such as Laser Speckle Contrast Imaging, to identify early endothelial senescence biomarkers and map their correlation with metabolic, inflammatory, and anthropometric profiles to advance personalized, preventive translational medicine.
Detailed description
An observational, cross-sectional study will be conducted, including volunteers aged ≥ 60 years, divided into two groups: elderly (60-80 years) and very elderly (\>80). Young volunteers aged between 20 and 40 years, already participants in previous studies, whose demographic and microcirculation data are in the research laboratory's database, will be included as controls. Data from the control group will be obtained from an institutional database, respecting confidentiality and anonymization, in accordance with current ethical standards.
Interventions
DIAGNOSTIC_TESTLaser Speckle Contrast Imaging
Investigation of Systemic Endothelial Microvascular Function
DIAGNOSTIC_TESTHandgrip Dynamometry (Muscle Strength)
Serving as a marker of systemic muscle strength and sarcopenia.
DIAGNOSTIC_TESTSit-to-Stand Test (5-Times Sit-to-Stand - 5STS)
This test will assess the strength and power of the lower limbs.
DIAGNOSTIC_TESTSingle-Leg Balance Test
Failure to maintain the position (to stand on one leg) for at least 10 seconds will be correlated as a marker of frailty and risk of falls.
DIAGNOSTIC_TESTAssessment of Global Cognitive Function
Overall cognitive function will be assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination.
Sponsors
National Institute of Cardiology, Laranjeiras, Brazil
Study design
Observational model
COHORT
Time perspective
PROSPECTIVE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
60 Years to 100 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* Absence of symptoms and history of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. * Baseline blood pressure levels within the normal range (\< 140/90 mmHg, according to WHO criteria) and absence of use of antihypertensive medications.
Exclusion criteria
* Diabetes Mellitus: Fasting blood glucose ≥ 126 mg/dL or use of hypoglycemic agents. * Smoking: Active or quit less than 5 years ago. * Inflammatory Diseases: Autoimmune diseases, active neoplasms, or acute infectious processes. * Surgery or trauma in the last 60 days. * Renal Dysfunction: Chronic renal failure (estimated by eGFR \< 60 mL/min/1.73m²). * Medication Use: Chronic use of corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, or drugs with direct action on vascular reactivity (e.g., continuous use of nitrates).
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Systemic (cutaneous) microcirculatory reactivity. | up to 20 minutes | To analyze structural and functional changes in the microcirculation in different ages groups, with emphasis on microvascular endothelial senescence. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Muscle Strength | up to 10 minutes | Handgrip Dynamometry Maximum isometric strength will be assessed using a manual hydraulic dynamometer. |
Countries
Brazil
Contacts
CONTACTEduardo Tibirica, MD, PhD
Outcome results
None listed