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Updated: Jan 30, 2026
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Murine Surgical Model of Topical Elastase Induced Descending Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm
Published on: August 24, 2019
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Therapies for Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms and Acute Aortic Dissections
Dianna M Milewicz1, Francesco Ramirez2
1From the Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Internal Medicine, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (D.M.M.).
Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology
|January 18, 2019
Summary
Thoracic aortic aneurysms can be fatal. While inhibiting TGFβ signaling was once promising, new research shows preserving it is key to preventing aneurysms and dissections.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Research
- Genetics
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Thoracic aortic aneurysms and dissections are life-threatening conditions.
- Current management involves beta-blockers and surgical repair, with a need for therapies to slow aneurysm growth.
- Marfan syndrome mouse models have been crucial for identifying potential treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the evolution of understanding thoracic aortic disease.
- To discuss controversies in therapeutic approaches.
- To identify new therapeutic opportunities for preventing aortic dissection.
Main Methods:
- Review of critical experiments in mouse models of Marfan syndrome.
- Analysis of clinical trial data for losartan and beta-blockers in Marfan syndrome patients.
- Examination of transforming growth factor-beta (TGFβ) signaling pathways.
Main Results:
- Initial findings suggested TGFβ inhibition via losartan could prevent aneurysms.
- Large clinical trials showed losartan did not outperform beta-blockers in slowing aortic enlargement.
- Subsequent studies emphasize preserving TGFβ signaling to prevent aneurysm formation.
Conclusions:
- The role of TGFβ signaling in thoracic aortic disease is complex and requires preservation, not inhibition.
- Losartan's efficacy in Marfan syndrome is limited compared to traditional beta-blocker therapy.
- New therapeutic strategies should focus on understanding and modulating the intricate molecular pathways of aortic disease.
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