The role of extracellular matrix in age-related conduction disorders: a forgotten player?

摘要: Cardiovascular aging is a physiological process gradually leading to structural degeneration and functional loss of all the cardiac vascular components. Conduction system also deeply influenced by with relevant reflexes in clinical side. Age-related arrhythmias carry significant morbidity mortality represent economical burden. An important unjustly unrecognized actor pathophysiology represented extracellular matrix (ECM) that not only structurally supports heart determining its mechanical properties, but sends biological signaling regulating cellular function maintaining tissue homeostasis. At biophysical level, ECM exhibits peculiar degree anisotropy, which among main determinants conductive properties specialized electrical conduction system. Age-associated alterations are therefore able profoundly affect striking impact on patient conditions. This review will focus changes occur during their translation scenario. Potential diagnostic therapeutical perspectives arising from knowledge age-associated further discussed.