The role of vascular smooth muscle cells in the development of aortic aneurysms and dissections.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Aortic aneurysms (AA) are pathological dilations of the aorta, associated with an overall mortality rate up to 90% in case of rupture. In addition to dilation, the aortic layers can separate by a tear within the layers, defined as aortic dissections (AD). Vascular smooth muscle cells (vSMC) are the predominant cell type within the aortic wall and dysregulation of vSMC functions contributes to AA and AD development and progression. However, since the exact underlying mechanism is poorly understood, finding potential therapeutic targets for AA and AD is challenging and surgery remains the only treatment option.

Methods

In this review, we summarize current knowledge about vSMC functions within the aortic wall and give an overview of how vSMC functions are altered in

SUBMITTER: Rombouts KB 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9285394 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature