OBJECTIVES: To analyze the association between biological aging markers (phenotypic age and phenotypic age acceleration) and valvular heart diseases. METHODS: Research subjects who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were selected from the UK Biobank from 2006 to 2010. The phenotypic age and phenotypic age acceleration were calculated. Cox multivariate analysis was used to examine the relationship between the aging markers and valvular heart diseases. Sensitivity analysis was conducted by removing missing values and subgroup analysis. The predictive accuracy of phenotypic age and phenotypic age acceleration for valvular heart diseases was analyzed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, and a clinical decision curve was generated based on logistic regression. RESULTS: A total of 411 687 subjects were included in the study, among whom there were 14 258 patients with valvular heart diseases. The overall median follow-up time was 12.80 years, the median follow-up time for patients with non-rheumatic aortic valve diseases (n=5238), non-rheumatic mitral valve diseases (n=4558), and non-rheumatic tricuspid valve diseases (n=411) were 12.82 years, 12.83 years and 12.84 years, respectively. After adjusting for demographic factors (gender, race, education, Townsend deprivation index), anthropometric factors (body mass index), lifestyle factors (smoking, alcohol consumption, Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension score), hypertension and hyperlipidemia, Cox multivariate analysis showed phenotypic age and phenotypic age acceleration were independent risk factors for valvular heart diseases, including non-rheumatic aortic valve diseases, non-rheumatic mitral valve diseases, and non-rheumatic tricuspid valve diseases (phenotypic age: corrected HR=1.04, P<0.01; phenotypic age acceleration: corrected HR=1.03, P<0.01), which was also confirmed by sensitivity analysis. ROC curves and clinical decision curves demonstrated that compared with the phenotypic age acceleration, phenotypic age had higher accuracy (the areas and the curves were 0.721 and 0.599) and higher net benefit in predicting valvular heart diseases. Moreover, compared with a single indicator, the combination of the two indicators had higher accuracy (the area under the curve was 0.725) and higher net benefit. CONCLUSIONS Phenotypic age and phenotypic age acceleration,as markers of biological aging, are independent risk factors for valvular heart diseases. Compared with phenotypic age acceleration, phenotypic age has a greater advantage in predicting valvular heart diseases. Overall, the combination of the two indicators offers a more effective approach for predicting valvular heart diseases.
Humans ; Male ; Female ; Heart Valve Diseases/epidemiology* ; Middle Aged ; Aged ; Aging ; Adult ; Biomarkers ; Phenotype ; Risk Factors ; Aged, 80 and over

Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related incidence and mortality worldwide. Among its histological subtypes, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for the majority of cases, representing the predominant pathological type. Notably, in the elderly population, NSCLC continues to be a major contributor to cancer-related deaths. With the global ageing population, immunosenescence has emerged as a key factor influencing the occurrence, progression, and the efficacy of immunotherapy of NSCLC. Immunosenescence refers to the age-related decline in immune system function, which manifests as alterations in both the quantity and functionality of immune cells. These include thymic involution, T cell exhaustion, epigenetic modifications, weakened immune responses, and a chronic low-grade inflammatory state. This review comprehensively analyzes the role of immunosenescence in elderly patients with advanced NSCLC and proposes potential therapeutic strategies to intervene in the immunosenescence process. By targeting immunosenescence, these strategies aim to inhibit the progression of NSCLC and improve the effectiveness of immunotherapy.
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Humans ; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/genetics* ; Immunotherapy ; Lung Neoplasms/genetics* ; Immunosenescence ; Aged

Human ; Time ; Aging ; Healthy Aging

Human ; Aging ; Population

BACKGROUND

Aging is an inevitable aspect of life, and to create a plan for healthy aging, it is crucial to determine the prevalence of geriatric syndromes. This information is essential to reduce morbidity and mortality and to develop tailored intervention programs.

To determine the clinical utility of the 10-minute Geriatric Screener as a screening tool at the Outpatient Department in Southern Philippines Medical Center; and to determine the prevalence of geriatric syndrome and its associated risk factors.

Prospective cross-sectional study design. The study was conducted in the Southern Philippines Medical Center Outpatient Department. This study evaluated 170 geriatric patients at the Southern Philippines Medical Center.

There were 110 cases (164.71%) classified as a low-risk level and 60 (35.29%) as high-risk. Sex does not significantly dictate a pattern of geriatric syndrome classification (X2=0.006; p=0.936). However, a marginal significance was seen for civil status, where widowed patients have a high risk of geriatric syndrome (X2=7.506; p=0.057). Patients with a high risk of geriatric syndrome are significantly older (69+5.91 vs. 65+.98; t=4.014; pCONCLUSION

Those patients aged more than 70 years old, widowed, visually impaired, and with physical disability will more likely be classified as high-risk geriatric syndrome. These findings underscore the complex interplay of age and specific health conditions in determining risk profiles, suggesting the need for targeted interventions and further investigation into the nuanced factors influencing health risks in similar populations.

OBJECTIVE: To observe the clinical efficacy of stuck acupuncture combined with facial acupuncture for facial cosmetology. METHODS: A total of 22 female patients with symptoms of facial aging were treated with stuck acupuncture combined with facial acupuncture. Stuck acupuncture was applied at bilateral Taiyang (EX-HN5) through Xiaguan (ST7), Jiache (ST6) through Daying (ST5) and Yingxiang (LI20)，once a week. Facial acupuncture was applied at Yintang (GV24⁺), ashi points (nasolabial fold) and bilateral Yangbai (GB14), Quanliao (SI18), Sibai (ST2), Xiaguan (ST7), Dicang (ST4), Jiache (ST6), Daying (ST5), Renying (ST9), twice a week. Four weeks were required. The global aesthetic improvement scale (GAIS) score after treatment, wrinkle severity rating scale (WSRS) score before and after treatment were observed. The quantitative analysis of skin characteristics was performed before and after treatment. RESULTS: After treatment, of the 22 patients, 3 cases had complete improvement, 15 cases had obvious improvement, 4 cases had partial improvement, 0 case had no improvement. The WSRS score and scores of wrinkles, textures and pores were decreased compared with those before treatment (P<0.01). CONCLUSION Stuck acupuncture combined with facial acupuncture could effectively improve the symptoms of facial aging.
Humans ; Female ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Middle Aged ; Adult ; Face ; Acupuncture Points ; Skin Aging ; Treatment Outcome ; Aged

OBJECTIVE: To explore the mechanism of acupuncture on improving ovarian hypofunction in aged rats from two perspectives: the overall regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis and the local ovarian follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)/cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) signaling pathway. METHODS: Six 3-month-old female SPF-grade Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were selected as the blank group. Another twelve 9-month-old female SD rats were randomly divided into a model group and an acupuncture group, with six rats in each. The acupuncture group received acupuncture at "Baihui" (GV20), "Guanyuan" (CV4), and bilateral "Ciliao" (BL32) for 20 min per session, once every other day, for a total of 10 sessions. Vaginal smear tests were performed daily to observe the estrous cycle of the rats. Ovarian morphology was observed using HE staining, and follicles at various stages were counted. ELISA was used to detect levels of serum FSH, luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol (E₂), anti-müllerian hormone (AMH), hypothalamic gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), pituitary FSH and LH, and ovarian cAMP. Immunohistochemistry and Western blot were used to detect the protein expression of ovarian cAMP protein kinase catalytic subunit, FSH receptor (FSHR), and P450. Real-time quantitative PCR was used to measure mRNA expression levels of FSHR and P450 in ovarian tissue. RESULTS: Compared with the blank group, the model group showed an increased rate of estrous cycle disorder (P<0.01), reduced granulosa cell layers with blurred boundaries and disordered arrangement, decreased numbers of developing follicles at all stages, and increased numbers of atretic follicles (P<0.01); the serum levels of FSH and LH were increased (P<0.01), while E₂ and AMH levels were decreased (P<0.01); the hypothalamic GnRH and pituitary FSH and LH levels were elevated (P<0.01), and ovarian cAMP level was decreased (P<0.01); the positive expression and protein expression of ovarian P450, cAMP protein kinase catalytic subunit, and FSHR were reduced (P<0.01), and ovarian FSHR and P450 mRNA expression was decreased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the acupuncture group showed a reduced rate of estrous cycle disorder (P<0.01), clear granulosa cell margins, increased numbers of primordial and secondary follicles, and decreased numbers of atretic follicles (P<0.01); the serum FSH and LH levels were decreased (P<0.01, P<0.05), while E₂ and AMH levels were increased (P<0.05, P<0.01); the hypothalamic GnRH and pituitary FSH and LH levels were decreased (P<0.01, P<0.05), and ovarian cAMP level was increased (P<0.01); the positive expression and protein expression of ovarian P450, cAMP protein kinase catalytic subunit, and FSHR were elevated (P<0.01), and ovarian FSHR and P450 mRNA expression was increased (P<0.01). CONCLUSION Acupuncture could delay ovarian hypofunction in aged rats, possibly through regulating the HPO axis and the FSH/cAMP signaling pathway.
Animals ; Female ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Follicle Stimulating Hormone/genetics* ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Ovary/metabolism* ; Signal Transduction ; Humans ; Cyclic AMP/metabolism* ; Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System/metabolism* ; Aging/metabolism* ; Hypothalamus/metabolism* ; Pituitary Gland/metabolism* ; Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone/metabolism*

Based on the theory of the five-body constituents from Huangdi Neijing (Yellow Emperor's Internal Classic), the approach and methods of acupuncture for facial aging are explored. Acupuncture for facial aging can be guided by the concept of the five-body constituents, targeting the facial "skin, flesh, vessels, tendons, and bones", and utilizing five different types of needles-facial needles, needle knives, filiform needles, retaining needles, and elongated needles and filiform needles-to maximize their respective advantages in treating facial aging. Facial needles are applied to the "skin" by selecting facial acupoints or local ashi points (at wrinkle or pigmentation sites). Needle knives are used for the "flesh" to perform longitudinal dredging and transverse dissection of the facial muscle layers. Filiform needles target the "vessels" with needling at Renying (ST9) to improve facial complexion. Retaining needles act on the "tendons" with needling from Taiyang (EX-HN5) to Xiaguan (ST7), and Jiache (ST6) to Daying (ST5), using clockwise twisting to generate a retaining needle sensation and lifting to achieve an overall facial lifting effect.
Humans ; Acupuncture Therapy/methods* ; Face ; Skin Aging ; Acupuncture Points ; Aging

Vascular aging (VA) is a common etiology of various chronic diseases and represents a major public health concern. Intermittent hypoxia (IH) associated with obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) is a primary pathological and physiological driver of OSAHS-induced systemic complications. A substantial proportion of OSAHS patients, estimated to be between 40% and 80%, have comorbidities such as hypertension, heart failure, coronary artery disease, pulmonary hypertension, atrial fibrillation, aneurysm, and stroke, all of which are closely associated with VA. This review examines the molecular and cellular features common to both OSAHS and VA, highlighting decreased melatonin secretion, impaired autophagy, increased apoptosis, increased inflammation and pyroptosis, increased oxidative stress, accelerated telomere shortening, accelerated stem cell depletion, metabolic disorders, imbalanced protein homeostasis, epigenetic alterations, and dysregulated neurohormonal signaling. The accumulation and combination of these features may underlie the pathophysiological link between OSAHS and VA, but the exact mechanisms by which OSAHS affects VA may require further investigation. Taken together, these findings suggest that OSAHS may serve as a novel risk factor for VA and related vascular disorders, and that targeting these features may offer therapeutic potential to mitigate the vascular risks associated with OSAHS.
Humans ; Sleep Apnea, Obstructive/pathology* ; Aging/physiology* ; Oxidative Stress/physiology* ; Animals

Aging is an inevitable, physiological process of the human body, leading to deterioration in bodily function and increased susceptibility to various diseases. Effective endogenous therapeutic strategies for anti-aging and related diseases remain limited. Exercise confers multifaceted benefits to physical health by augmenting osteogenic and myogenic processes, enhancing cardiovascular and nervous system function, and attenuating chronic inflammation. Angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis play pivotal roles in anti-aging, tissue repair, and immune response modulation, underscoring their potential as therapeutic targets for age-related diseases. Modulating angiogenic and lymphangiogenic pathways may provide a promising strategy for mitigating vascular decline and immune system dysfunction associated with aging. Exercise-induced endogenous angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis can exert beneficial effects on physiological function, thereby representing a potential therapeutic paradigm for combating age-related decline and diseases. This review offers a thorough summary of the present knowledge regarding angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis induced by exercise, encompassing the underlying mechanisms and the effects in different organs. In addition, it explores the potential of physical activity as a non-pharmacological intervention for anti-aging strategies and disease management, offering novel insights into the intersection of physical activity, aging, and disease progression.
Humans ; Lymphangiogenesis/physiology* ; Aging/physiology* ; Exercise/physiology* ; Animals ; Neovascularization, Physiologic/physiology* ; Angiogenesis