Adventitial adaptive immune cells are associated with ascending aortic dilatation in patients with a bicuspid aortic valve.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is associated with ascending aorta aneurysms and dissections. Presently, genetic factors and pathological flow patterns are considered responsible for aneurysm formation in BAV while the exact role of inflammatory processes remains unknown.

Methods

In order to objectify inflammation, we employ a highly sensitive, quantitative immunohistochemistry approach. Whole slides of dissected, dilated and non-dilated ascending aortas from BAV patients were quantitatively analyzed.

Results

Dilated aortas show a 4-fold increase of lymphocytes and a 25-fold increase in B lymphocytes in the adventitia compared to non-dilated aortas. Tertiary lymphoid structures with B cell follicles and helper T cell expansion were identified in dilated and dis

SUBMITTER: Staal AHJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10086356 | biostudies-literature | 2023

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature