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Emerging Treatments in Aging-Related Cerebrovascular Diseases

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Neurobiology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 October 2025) | Viewed by 1197

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
1. Chair of Vascular Neurology and Dementia, Essen University Medical School, Essen, Germany
2. Experimental Research Center for Normal and Pathological Aging Director, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Craiova, Romania
Interests: ageing; cerebrovascular diseases; rehabilitation; cell therapies; genomics; proteomics
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Aging is a primary risk factor for cerebrovascular diseases (CVDs), including stroke and vascular dementia, which remain leading causes of disability and mortality worldwide. Recent advances in biomedical research have identified novel therapeutic tools targeting the underlying mechanisms of aging and vascular degeneration.

Author contributions include senolytic drugs that selectively eliminate senescent cells, gene editing technologies such as CRISPR/Cas9 that correct age-related genetic mutations, and RNA-based therapies for modulating inflammatory and metabolic pathways. Stem cell-based interventions, particularly those using induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), show promise in promoting neurovascular repair and functional recovery post-stroke. Additionally, bioengineered nanocarriers and blood–brain barrier-permeable delivery systems have improved the precision and efficacy of drug administration to affected brain regions. Chronotherapy and circadian modulation are also emerging as tools to optimize treatment timing, aligning interventions with biological rhythms for enhanced outcomes. Together, these therapeutic innovations represent a paradigm shift toward personalized, regenerative, and preventive approaches in treating aging-related cerebrovascular diseases. Continued translational research and clinical trials are essential for fully realizing their potential and ensuring their safe, effective integration into clinical practice.

Prof. Dr. Aurel Popa-Wagner
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • aging
  • cerebrovascular diseases
  • therapeutic tools
  • senolytic drugs
  • gene editing technologies
  • RNA-based therapies

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Review

36 pages, 2803 KB  
Review
Targeting the Biology of Aging in Cerebrovascular Disease: Inflammation, Metabolism, Senescence, and Regeneration
by Daniela Glavan, Thorsten R. Doeppner, Mihaela Abuzan, Dirk M. Hermann, Bogdan Capitanescu, Denisa Greta Olaru and Aurel Popa-Wagner
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(4), 1880; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27041880 - 15 Feb 2026
Viewed by 955
Abstract
Aging is the strongest independent risk factor for cerebrovascular diseases, profoundly influencing vascular structure, immune responses, and regenerative capacity of the brain. Traditional therapeutic strategies, largely developed in younger populations, often show reduced efficacy and increased risk in elderly patients, underscoring the need [...] Read more.
Aging is the strongest independent risk factor for cerebrovascular diseases, profoundly influencing vascular structure, immune responses, and regenerative capacity of the brain. Traditional therapeutic strategies, largely developed in younger populations, often show reduced efficacy and increased risk in elderly patients, underscoring the need for age-adapted interventions. Advances in the understanding of cerebrovascular aging have revealed key mechanisms such as vascular senescence, chronic low-grade inflammation, blood–brain barrier dysfunction, mitochondrial impairment, and circadian dysregulation as central drivers of disease progression and poor recovery. This narrative review summarizes emerging therapeutic strategies targeting the molecular and cellular hallmarks of aging-related cerebrovascular disease. These include immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory approaches, senescence-targeted therapies, stem cell and extracellular vesicle-based regenerative strategies, RNA-based interventions, and metabolic and mitochondrial modulation. Particular emphasis is placed on therapies aimed at restoring neurovascular unit integrity and promoting brain repair in the aged microenvironment. Additionally, this review highlights the growing role of chronobiology and precision medicine, integrating biomarkers and multi-omics approaches to tailor treatments for elderly patients. Collectively, these emerging therapies represent a paradigm shift from symptom-oriented management toward mechanism-based and personalized interventions. Addressing age-specific pathophysiology will be critical for improving outcomes in cerebrovascular diseases in the aging population and for translating experimental advances into effective clinical therapies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Treatments in Aging-Related Cerebrovascular Diseases)
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