Biology of aortic aneurysms and dissections

Methodist Debakey Cardiovasc J. 2011 Jul-Sep;7(3):2-7. doi: 10.14797/mdcj-7-3-2.

Abstract

The biology of aortic aneurysm and dissection has evolved to where we now understand the genetic implications of changes in extracellular matrix proteins, smooth muscle cells, and growth factors and how they affect aortic wall homeostasis. These predeterminants are influenced by smoking, hypertension, and atherosclerosis, and the result in an inflammatory response coupled to an accelerated proteolytic cascade that disrupts both elastin and collagen in the aortic wall.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Aorta / metabolism
  • Aorta / pathology*
  • Aortic Aneurysm / etiology
  • Aortic Aneurysm / genetics
  • Aortic Aneurysm / metabolism
  • Aortic Aneurysm / pathology*
  • Aortic Dissection / etiology
  • Aortic Dissection / genetics
  • Aortic Dissection / metabolism
  • Aortic Dissection / pathology*
  • Biomarkers / metabolism
  • Extracellular Matrix Proteins / metabolism
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease
  • Humans
  • Oxidative Stress
  • Phenotype
  • Prognosis
  • Reactive Oxygen Species / metabolism
  • Risk Factors

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Extracellular Matrix Proteins
  • Reactive Oxygen Species