In vivo characterization of doxycycline-mediated protection of aortic function and structure in a mouse model of Marfan syndrome-associated aortic aneurysm.

ABSTRACT: Aortic aneurysm is the most life-threatening complication in Marfan syndrome (MFS) patients. Doxycycline, a nonselective matrix metalloproteinases inhibitor, was reported to improve the contractile function and elastic fiber structure and organization in a Marfan mouse aorta using ex vivo small chamber myography. In this study, we assessed the hypothesis that a long-term treatment with doxycycline would reduce aortic root growth, improve aortic wall elasticity as measured by pulse wave velocity, and improve the ultrastructure of elastic fiber in the mouse model of MFS. In our study, longitudinal measurements of aortic root diameters using high-resolution ultrasound imaging display significantly decreased aortic root diameters and lower pulse wave velocity in doxycycline-treated Marfan mice

SUBMITTER: Cui JZ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6376062 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature