Chronic MitoQ Supplementation for Improving Cerebrovascular Function in Older Adults
Description: The purpose of this AHA Predoctoral Fellowship is to provide support for Ms. Darvish, a 3rd year graduate student (MS/PhD) in Dr. Douglas Seals’ laboratory, to conduct research that will prepare her to become an independent investigator in the field of cerebrovascular aging. She aims to refine skills under development and learn new technical, conceptual and professional skills by investigating the efficacy of the mitochondrial-targeted antioxidant MitoQ for improving cerebrovascular function in older adults and the mechanism(s) of action. Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the leading cause of death in the U.S. Cerebrovascular diseases represent 37% of all CVD and, independently, are the 5th most common cause of death. Aging is the primary risk factor for cerebrovascular diseases. Cerebrovascular dysfunction (impaired cerebrovascular reactivity and blood flow) is a key mechanism contributing to this increase in risk with aging and is mediated in-part by decreases in the vasodilatory molecule nitric oxide (NO), leading to declines in cerebrovascular endothelial cell (EC) function. Excessive reactive oxygen species production by mitochondria (mtROS) is an important contributor to cerebrovascular dysfunction as mtROS can scavenge bioavailable NO and impair cerebral EC function. As such, establishing novel strategies to decrease mtROS to improve cerebrovascular function in older adults is an important biomedical research priority. Supported by a strong scientific premise and compelling preliminary data, Ms. Darvish will use innovative translational approaches to determine if 3 months of MitoQ treatment (versus placebo; n=30/group) in older adults (age: 60+ years) improves cerebrovascular function (Aim 1), and whether the improvements are mediated by: reductions in tonic suppression of cerebrovascular function by mtROS (Aim 2a) and beneficial changes in the circulating milieu resulting in improved cerebral EC function (Aim 2b). The proposed research will be the first to investigate the efficacy of MitoQ treatment for improving cerebrovascular function in older adults, a group at elevated risk for cerebrovascular diseases. Under the guidance of her highly experienced mentors, she will successfully complete the proposed research and training plan, facilitating her development towards becoming an independent investigator. This research proposal directly aligns with Ms. Darvish’s career goals and the AHA’s mission to promote healthier, longer lives for all people.
Funder: American Heart Association
Amount: $67,390
Funding type: training
Funder scheme: Predoctoral Fellowship
Start date: 2024-01-01
End date: 2024-08-31
Investigators: Sanna Darvish, Sanna Darvish
Institution: University of Colorado Boulder
Funded outputs count: 2
Funder award ID: 24PRE1186290
OpenAlex ID: G8283173261