Modelling Atherosclerotic Plaque Cap Mechanics: Microcalcifications Reduce Mechanical Properties in Mesenchymal Stromal Cell-Based Model.

ABSTRACT: Rupture of atherosclerotic plaque caps is the cause of many disabling or lethal cardiovascular events, such as stroke and myocardial infarction. Microcalcifications (<50 µm) have been shown, in computational models, to affect the biomechanical stability of the cap. The current study aims to develop a tissue-engineered model of the atherosclerotic fibrous cap with microcalcifications produced by mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs). Human MSCs are seeded in fibrin gels and cultured for 2 weeks in medium supplemented with TGF-β1 to induce smooth muscle cell differentiation and collagenous matrix formation. Afterward, mineralizing medium stimulates microcalcification formation for an additional 4 weeks. Tissue-engineered structures are imaged after culture with second harmonic generation microsco

SUBMITTER: Jansen IL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12517318 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature