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Trail and vascular injury

Jose L Martin-Ventura1, Begona Munoz-Garcia, Jesus Egido

  • 1Vascular Research Lab, Fundacion Jimenez Diaz, Autonoma University, Madrid, Spain. jlmartin@fjd.es

Frontiers in Bioscience : a Journal and Virtual Library
|May 9, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) may promote vascular inflammation and cell death in atherosclerosis. Plasma levels of TRAIL and osteoprotegerin (OPG) are being investigated as potential markers for vascular injury.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular biology
  • Immunology
  • Molecular medicine

Background:

  • Cardiovascular diseases are a leading cause of death, driven by atherosclerosis, characterized by arterial wall thickening and atheromatous plaque formation.
  • Key atherogenesis mechanisms include lipoprotein retention, endothelial activation, smooth muscle cell proliferation, macrophage infiltration, and apoptosis.
  • Members of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) family, including TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) and its receptors (TRAIL-Rs, OPG), are found in atherosclerotic plaques.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of TRAIL and its receptors in the mechanisms of atherothrombosis.
  • To discuss the controversial effects of TRAIL on vascular cell inflammation and apoptosis.
  • To explore the potential of plasma TRAIL and OPG levels as biomarkers for vascular injury.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on TRAIL and its receptors in atherogenesis.
  • Analysis of in vivo studies investigating TRAIL's role in vascular injury.
  • Examination of research on soluble TNF-superfamily members in human plasma.

Main Results:

  • TRAIL and its receptors are present in human atherosclerotic plaques.
  • Data on TRAIL's effects on vascular cell inflammation and apoptosis remain controversial.
  • Recent in vivo studies suggest TRAIL may have pro-inflammatory and pro-apoptotic effects in vascular injury.

Conclusions:

  • TRAIL and its receptors are implicated in atherothrombosis.
  • Further research is needed to clarify TRAIL's precise role in vascular inflammation and apoptosis.
  • Plasma levels of TRAIL and OPG may serve as potential biomarkers for vascular injury.

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