Vascular Aging and Microcirculation: Physiological Aspects of Vascular Aging in the Elderly Population (VAMP-Aging)

N/ANot Yet RecruitingNCT07563725

National Institute of Cardiology, Laranjeiras, Brazil62 enrolled

Overview

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.

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.

Study Type

OBSERVATIONAL

Enrollment

Conditions

Aging Problems

Interventions

Laser Speckle Contrast Imaging

Investigation of Systemic Endothelial Microvascular Function

Handgrip Dynamometry (Muscle Strength)DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

Serving as a marker of systemic muscle strength and sarcopenia.

Sit-to-Stand Test (5-Times Sit-to-Stand - 5STS)DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

This test will assess the strength and power of the lower limbs.

Single-Leg Balance TestDIAGNOSTIC_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.

Assessment of Global Cognitive FunctionDIAGNOSTIC_TEST

Overall cognitive function will be assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination.

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 60 YearsMax age: 100 YearsHealthy volunteers:

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

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).

Locations (1)

Eduardo Tibiriçá

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Systemic (cutaneous) microcirculatory reactivity.

To analyze structural and functional changes in the microcirculation in different ages groups, with emphasis on microvascular endothelial senescence.

Time frame: up to 20 minutes

Secondary Outcomes

Muscle Strength

Handgrip Dynamometry Maximum isometric strength will be assessed using a manual hydraulic dynamometer.

Time frame: up to 10 minutes

Central Contacts

Eduardo Tibirica, MD, PhD

CONTACT

+55-21-99914-6075 etibi@uol.com.br

Data from ClinicalTrials.gov

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