Abstract
The alterations of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in lamina propria of the vocal folds are important changes that are associated with decreased vibrations and increased stiffness in aging vocal fold. The aim of this study was to investigate the differences in gene expression of lamina propria using next generation sequencing (NGS) in young and aging rats and to identify genes that affect aging-related ECM changes for developing novel therapeutic target molecule. Among the 40 genes suggested in the NGS analysis, voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCC) subunit alpha1 S (CACNA1S), VGCC auxiliary subunit beta 1 (CACNB1), and VGCC auxiliary subunit gamma 1 (CACNG1) were increased in the lamina propria of the old rats compared to the young rats. The synthesis of collagen I and III in hVFFs decreased after si-CACNA1S and verapamil treatment. The expression and activity of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)-1 and -8 were increased in hVFFs after the treatment of verapamil. However, there was no change in the expression of MMP-2 and -9. These results suggest that some calcium channels may be related with the alteration of aging-related ECM in vocal folds. Calcium channel has promising potential as a novel therapeutic target for the remodeling ECM of aging lamina propria.
Highlights
The normal aging process is associated with increased amounts of oxidative stress and perturbed cellular energy metabolism involving impaired mitochondrial function [16]
It is known that the oxidative stress and impaired energy metabolism are involved in the development of various diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular dysfunction, and Alzheimer’s disease as well as aging [17]
L-type calcium channels (CACN) are increased, and this increase is related to age-dependent cognitive decline [21, 22]
Summary
The change of voice due to aging after the sixth decade of the life is called presbylaryx. Aging voices are characterized by hoarse, weak, strained, low pitch, or breathy [1,2]. Laryngostroboscopic findings of aging larynx may reveal the vocal fold bowing, glottis gap, asymmetry of vibration and decreased mucosal wave [3]. Person who are aware of the increased vocal roughness and voice deterioration report a tendency to avoid social situation [4]. The impairment of communication reduces the quality of life by avoiding the social activities of the elderly. With the increase in the global elderly population, there is a growing interest in aging related voice changes
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
