Aging of the Vascular Wall

What this Trial Is About

Demographic aging is a major social change of the 21st century, affecting the function of cells, tissues, and organs. This decline raises the risk of diseases like cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and cardiovascular diseases (CVD), the leading cause of death worldwide. Aging causes changes in blood vessels and platelet function, increasing cardiovascular risks. This research explores how different blood vessels, such as arteries and veins, age at the molecular and physiological levels, which is not well understood yet. The study observes patients aged 18 and older who need coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Participants are grouped by age: young adults (18-30), middle-aged adults (30-60), and elderly adults (60+). During surgery, samples of venous and arterial grafts, including the internal mammary artery and great saphenous vein, are collected for analysis. This procedure helps study the aging markers in different types of blood vessels. Participants contribute by undergoing CABG surgery where graft samples are collected on the day of surgery. Researchers measure biomarkers of aging from these samples to compare aging in various vessel types. The study focuses on understanding vascular aging without extra interventions. The total participation involves the surgical procedure and related sample collection, with ongoing monitoring as needed. The study is led by the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Saint Etienne and will conclude in December 2026.

Aging of the Vascular Wall