Why is Thrombosis an Age-Related Condition?
Thrombosis, the formation of blood clots in blood vessels, is more common in older individuals. Researchers have discovered that age-related changes in hematopoiesis produce a unique population of platelets that are more prone to clotting. This phenomenon leads to an increased risk of cardiovascular disorders in the elderly. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for developing treatments to combat aging-related conditions.
Platelet dysregulation significantly increases with age, contributing to cardiovascular diseases as the primary cause of death in the elderly. Researchers have identified a distinct pathway from hematopoietic stem cells to platelets that becomes more prevalent with age. This age-enriched platelet production leads to increased thrombosis and platelet hyper-reactivity in older individuals. These findings shed light on the role of aging in platelet dysregulation and age-induced thrombosis.
Link: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cell.2024.04.018
