Age-Induced Aortic Modifications Are Accompanied By Alteration in the Antioxidant Defense System in Female Rats

Abstract Aging causes significant structural and functional changes in the vasculature, disrupting homeostasis and affecting the cardiovascular system's performance. This study looked into the effects of aging on the aorta and how that affects antioxidant capability. As a result, healthy aging female SD rats (n=10) were compared to their younger counterparts. Blood pressure, serum lipid profile, aortic histology examination, and the expression of antioxidant enzymes were all assessed. When aged rats were compared to young rats, their blood pressure and serum lipid levels were dramatically different. Furthermore, histological examination of the aorta of aging rats revealed structural changes, characteristic apoptotic nuclear morphology, and the formation of fatty deposits. Different antioxidant enzyme’s protein expression was also studied. In aged rats, the expressions of SOD-1(superoxide dismutase), GSS(glutathione synthetase), NRF2(NF-E2-related factor 2), KEAP-1(Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1), and HO-1(Heme oxygenase 1) were drastically changed. This study revealed that age-induced aortic changes are associated with an altered antioxidant system, according to this study.