Age-Related Dynamics of the Main Extracellular Matrix Components in Residents of the Russian Arctic

Abstract—The main extracellular matrix (EM) components in Arctic residents were studied. Northerners had increased levels of total glycosaminoglycans, hyaluronan, and collagen IV in plasma and both general and peptide-bound hydroxyproline in urine, which indicates an accelerated metabolism of the main extracellular matrix components as compared with residents of Western Siberia. Age-related remodeling of the extracellular matrix in northerners manifested in the changed ratio and quantity of its main components. Levels of total glycosaminoglycans, hyaluronan, fibronectin, and hydroxyproline and its fractions increased with age while the level of collagen IV changed insignificantly. The average positive correlation between extracellular matrix components and biological age indicators is suggestive of a relationship between these two processes: aging, which is accelerated on the European North, and pathological remodeling of the extracellular matrix, as it is associated with accelerated aging. Changes in local regulation system, including those related to matrix metalloproteinases and their tissue inhibitors, may be one of the reasons for pathological remodeling of extracellular matrix.