Smooth muscle cells from abdominal aortic aneurysms are unique and can independently and synergistically degrade insoluble elastin.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The purpose of this study was to further elucidate the role of the vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) in abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) disease. We hypothesized that that AAA SMCs are unique and actively participate in the process of degrading the aortic matrix.

Methods

Whole-genome expression profiles of SMCs from AAAs, nondilated abdominal aorta (NAA), and carotid endarterectomy (CEA) were compared. We quantified elastolytic activity by culturing SMCs in [(3)H]elastin-coated plates and measuring solubilized tritium in the media after 7 days. Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 production was assessed using real-time polymerase chain reaction, zymography, and Western blotting.

Results

Each SMC type exhibited a unique gene expression pattern. AAA S

SUBMITTER: Airhart N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3968239 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature