Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 11, 2026
09:06
Quantitative Analysis of Cellular Composition in Advanced Atherosclerotic Lesions of Smooth Muscle Cell Lineage-Tracing Mice
Published on: February 20, 2019
Aging, smooth muscle cells and vascular pathobiology: implications for atherosclerosis
Augusto Orlandi1, Marie-Luce Bochaton-Piallat, Giulio Gabbiani
1Anatomic Pathology Institute, Department of Biopathology, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, Rome, Italy. orlandi@uniroma2.it
Atherosclerosis
|February 21, 2006
Summary
Aging is an independent risk factor for atherosclerosis, promoting arterial wall changes. Smooth muscle cell (SMC) migration and altered behavior in aged arteries contribute to vascular remodeling and disease progression.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Biology
- Gerontology
- Cardiovascular Disease
Background:
- Epidemiological and autopsy studies link aging to atherosclerosis.
- Aged arteries show increased susceptibility to atherogenetic stimuli.
- Aging is considered an independent atherogenetic risk factor.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate the role of aging in atherosclerosis.
- Examine changes in arterial smooth muscle cells (SMCs) with aging.
- Understand biomolecular mechanisms of vascular aging.
Main Methods:
- Review of epidemiological and autopsy studies.
- Analysis of experimental data on aged subjects.
- Focus on smooth muscle cell (SMC) behavior and phenotype changes.
Main Results:
- Aging promotes SMC migration from tunica media to tunica intima.
- Intimal SMC accumulation leads to myointimal thickening and lesion progression.
- SMC phenotype shifts to synthetic, with altered proliferation, apoptosis, and growth factor response.
Conclusions:
- Altered SMC properties are crucial in vascular aging and atherosclerosis.
- Understanding these mechanisms can inform strategies against vascular aging.
- Targeting SMC pathobiology may mitigate atherosclerosis progression.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:30Atherosclerosis I: Introduction
Atherosclerosis is a progressive disorder characterized by the buildup of plaques on the arterial inner wall, causing them to narrow and harden over time. These plaques comprise lipids, calcium, blood components, carbohydrates, and fibrous tissue. The process primarily affects the intima of large and medium-sized arteries, reducing blood flow in any artery.Etiology and risk factorsThe cause of atherosclerosis is multifactorial, involving a complex interplay among endothelial injury, lipid...
01:26Coronary Artery Disease II: Pathophysiology
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) originates from a series of events that impair the function of coronary arteries, the blood vessels responsible for delivering oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle. The pathophysiology of CAD is closely linked to atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory and lipid-driven condition affecting the vascular endothelium.1. Endothelial DamageThe process begins with damage to the vascular endothelium, which serves as a protective barrier between the blood and the vessel...
01:15Structure of Blood Vessels
Blood is circulated throughout the human body through a network of blood vessels called the circulatory system. This system includes arteries that transport blood from the heart to various body parts. These arterial pathways divide into smaller vessels until they reach the arterioles, which further split into capillaries. It is within these minuscule capillaries that the exchange of nutrients and waste products takes place. After this exchange, the blood is collected by venules, which fuse to...
01:24Regulation of Angiogenesis and Blood Supply
Rapidly dividing tumors, embryos, and wounded tissues require more oxygen than usual, lowering the oxygen concentration in the blood. At low oxygen or hypoxic conditions, an oxygen-sensitive transcription factor called the hypoxia-inducible factor 1 or HIF1 is activated. HIF1 is a dimeric protein of alpha (ɑ) and beta (β) subunits. Under optimal oxygen conditions, HIF1β is present in the nucleus while HIF1ɑ remains in the cytosol. HIF1ɑ is hydroxylated by prolyl hydroxylase and factor...
01:17Autoregulation of Blood Flow
Autoregulation mechanisms are characterized by their inherent capacity for self-regulation without necessitating specific nervous stimulation or endocrine control. These mechanisms facilitate the adjustment of blood flow and, therefore, perfusion specific to each tissue region. This self-regulation encompasses chemical signals and myogenic controls.
Chemical Signaling in Autoregulation
Chemical signaling operates at the precapillary sphincter level, inciting either contraction or relaxation.
Chemical Signaling in Autoregulation
Chemical signaling operates at the precapillary sphincter level, inciting either contraction or relaxation.
01:30Peripheral Artery Disease I: Introduction
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) predominantly results from atherosclerosis, which involves the accumulation of fatty deposits, or plaques, within the walls of arteries. This causes them to narrow and harden, significantly reducing blood flow. PAD predominantly affects the legs, particularly the arteries supplying the thighs and calves. In rare cases, it may involve other arteries, including those in the arms.Etiology of PAD:The principal cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, which results from fatty...