Topic: Microvascular Bioenergetics Pathways in Aging

Aging is characterized by a progressive decline in physiological function and an increased susceptibility to cardiovascular disease. The contribution of bioenergetic processes within the microvasculature to age-related vascular changes, however, remains incompletely understood. This Special Issue will highlight cutting-edge research and authoritative reviews addressing how microvascular bioenergetics influence the aging process and cardiovascular health.

Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

● Mitochondrial function, ATP production, and metabolic regulation in microvascular cells;

● Bioenergetics and inflammatory responses in arterioles, venules, lymphatics, vasa vasorum endothelial cells, and pericytes;

● Mechanisms of endothelial dysfunction, impaired angiogenesis, vascular rarefaction, venous insufficiency, and lymphatic dysfunction;

● Roles of reactive oxygen species (ROS), nutrient-sensing pathways, metabolic stress, and inflammation in microvascular aging;

● Genetic and epigenetic regulation of microvascular bioenergetics;

● Biomarkers and therapeutic targets for age-related vascular dysfunction;

● Lifestyle and pharmacological interventions (e.g., caloric restriction, exercise, metabolic modulators) to preserve microvascular health;

● By integrating molecular, physiological, and clinical insights, this Special Issue seeks to provide a comprehensive overview of microvascular bioenergetics in aging and to inform innovative strategies to maintain vascular health and mitigate age-associated decline.

We welcome original research articles, reviews, and perspectives that contribute to this important field.

Microvascular Bioenergetics, vascular aging, mitochondrial dysfunction, endothelial dysfunction, reactive oxygen species (ROS), metabolic stress, nutrient-sensing pathways