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Measuring the Stiffness of Ex Vivo Mouse Aortas Using Atomic Force Microscopy
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Elastin in large artery stiffness and hypertension.
Jessica E Wagenseil1, Robert P Mecham
1Department of Biomedical Engineering, Saint Louis University, 3507 Lindell Blvd, St Louis, MO 63103, USA. jwagense@slu.edu
Journal of Cardiovascular Translational Research
|February 1, 2012
Summary
Arterial stiffness, linked to high blood pressure, is influenced by changes in elastic fibers within artery walls. Therapies targeting these elastic fiber alterations may effectively treat essential hypertension.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Biology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Hypertension Research
Background:
- Large artery stiffness, measured by pulse wave velocity, correlates with hypertension.
- Vessel wall mechanics are determined by extracellular matrix composition, primarily elastin and collagen.
- Elastic fibers, crucial for arterial elasticity, undergo changes throughout life.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review how alterations in elastic fibers impact arterial stiffness and blood pressure.
- To discuss strategies for modifying elastic fiber properties.
- To summarize methods for assessing therapeutic efficacy.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on elastic fiber alterations and arterial mechanics.
- Analysis of studies measuring pulse wave velocity and elastin content.
- Examination of therapeutic strategies targeting extracellular matrix.
Main Results:
- Changes in elastic fiber amount, assembly, organization, or chemical properties affect arterial stiffness.
- Proteolytic degradation and chemical alterations impact elastic fiber function.
- Therapies directly modifying elastic fibers show potential for hypertension treatment.
Conclusions:
- Elastic fiber integrity is critical for maintaining normal arterial stiffness.
- Targeting elastic fiber alterations offers a promising therapeutic avenue for essential hypertension.
- Measuring elastin and arterial stiffness is key to evaluating treatment effectiveness.
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