Evaluation of NF-kB role in mechanisms associated to D-galactose-induced cardiac aging

Abstract

The number of elderlies is growing rapidly and the aging is related to the development of several diseases. Cardiovascular diseases are among the main causes of morbidity and mortality in this population. During aging, structural and functional changes happen in the heart, due to cellular and tissue processes concerning inflammation and oxidative stress. Therefore, the NF-kB transcription factor is responsible for mediating responses that occur in these conditions and, consequently, represents a possible agent capable of integrating cellular and molecular mechanisms that arise in cardiac tissue such as cellular senescence. This study aims to evaluate the role of NF-kB in mechanisms associated with the aging of the heart. Transgenic mice that present NF-kB suppression specifically in cardiomyocytes, submitted to the D-galactose-induced aging model, will be used. Cellular senescence markers in the cardiac tissue of the experimental groups will be evaluated. Through this study, it is expected to contribute to better understanding of mechanisms involved in the process of cardiac aging. In addition, the data obtained may be able to direct the development of new therapeutic strategies to benefit aging individuals who may have the postponement or attenuation of cardiac manifestations associated with cardiovascular diseases. (AU)