Turning back the clock: regression of abdominal aortic aneurysms via pharmacotherapy

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a common disease that causes progressive expansion and rupture of the aorta with high mortality. There is a large and unmet need for nonsurgical treatment for AAA. Research has shown that an intricate network of inflammatory cells and interstitial cells contributes to the formation of AAA by producing pro-inflammatory mediators that activate enzymes to degrade the extracellular matrix (ECM) and impair ECM biosynthesis. Pharmacological agents such as statins and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors may promote tissue stabilization in AAA by diminishing pro-inflammatory signaling and normalizing metabolism of the ECM. Our recent experiments in animal models demonstrate that inhibition of c-Jun N terminal kinase (JNK) inhibits multiple pathological processes and causes regression of established AAA. Thus, emerging evidence indicates that pharmacological intervention targeting pro-inflammatory signaling and abnormal ECM metabolism is a promising strategy for treatment of AAA.