More On Declining Cellular Function
A recent News-Medical.net article is interesting in light of research into age-related stem cell decline and rejuvenation. "Declining function of cells that help repair the inner lining of blood vessels, known as endothelial progenitor cells, rather than a dwindling supply of the cells, may underlie the increased risk of atherosclerosis and other vascular diseases as people grow older ... The report [suggests] that it is not the quantity aspect of these cells produced by the marrow that fails with age, but instead, the quality of the precursors that become limiting, thus leading to deficient repair." This ties in very nicely with what is seen elsewhere in the body; this work suggests that more research should be directed to understanding whether chemical cues can restore the function of these cells.