Current Researches on Vocal Fold Aging

노인성 음성에 대한 최신 연구동향

Aging causes a variety of changes in the structure of the vocal fold (VF), resulting in aging-induced dysphonia (presbyphonia). Several studies have investigated the structure of the VF of elderly people from autopsy as well as animal studies. There is an increasing evidence on correlation of structural changes of VF with deteriorated voice in elderly. Although the cellular mechanisms of aging VF have only partially been elucidated, there are many recent advances in biological treatment on aging VF using bioactive molecules such as growth factors. In this study, I'd like to address aging-related structural, biological, and physiological changes in previous literature about human and rodent aging VFs, to provide further insight into the mechanisms responsible for presbyphonia and to translate the basic researches for future clinical trials.