Exploring thoracic aorta ECM alterations in Marfan syndrome: insights into aorta wall structure.

ABSTRACT: Marfan syndrome is a connective tissue disorder caused by FBN1 mutations, leading to aortic wall fragility and increased susceptibility to aneurysm and dissection. This study investigated microstructural and molecular alterations in the thoracic aorta of Fbn1mgΔ^lpn mice, with a focus on the tunica intima and media. Histological and ultrastructural analyses demonstrated elastic fiber fragmentation and reduced fibrillin-1 expression. In the intima, endothelial cells showed partial detachment and decreased levels of fibrillin-1, perlecan, collagen IV, and α5β1 integrins, suggesting compromised adhesion to the extracellular matrix. Serial block-face scanning electron microscopy revealed discontinuities in the internal elastic lamina. In the media, we observed reduced fibronectin, al

SUBMITTER: de Souza RB 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12284111 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature