Eleftherios Spartalis*, Michael Spartalis, Antonios Athanasiou, Stavroula A. Paschou, Nikolaos Patelis, Vassilis Voudris and Dimitrios C. Iliopoulos Pages 1081 - 1088 ( 8 )
Inflammation is recognized as a fundamental element in the development and growth of aortic aneurysms. Aortic aneurysm is correlated with aortic wall deformities and injury, as a result of inflammation, matrix metalloproteinases activation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis of vascular smooth muscle cells. The endothelial wall has a critical part in the inflammation of the aorta and endothelial heterogeneity has proven to be significant for modeling aneurysm formation. Endothelial shear stress and blood flow affect the aortic wall through hindrance of cytokines and adhesion molecules excreted by endothelial cells, causing reduction of the inflammation process in the media and adventitia. This pathophysiological process results in the disruption of elastic fibers, degradation of collagen fibers, and destruction of vascular smooth muscle cells. Consequently, the aortic wall is impaired due to reduced thickness, decreased mechanical function, and cannot tolerate the impact of blood flow leading to aortic expansion. Surgery is still considered the mainstay therapy for large aortic aneurysms. The prevention of aortic dilation, though, is based on the hinderance of endothelial dysregulation with drugs, the reduction of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, and also the reduction of pro-inflammatory molecules and metalloproteinases. Further investigations are required to enlighten the emerging role of endothelial cells in aortic disease.
endothelium, endothelial dysfunction, aorta, cardiovascular disease, aneurysm, pathophysiological process
Laboratory of Experimental Surgery and Surgical Research, University of Athens, Medical School, Athens, Division of Cardiology, Onassis Cardiac Surgery Center, Athens, Laboratory of Experimental Surgery and Surgical Research, University of Athens, Medical School, Athens, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, "Aghia Sophia" Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Laboratory of Experimental Surgery and Surgical Research, University of Athens, Medical School, Athens, Division of Cardiology, Onassis Cardiac Surgery Center, Athens, Laboratory of Experimental Surgery and Surgical Research, University of Athens, Medical School, Athens