Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells in Aortic Aneurysm: From Genetics to Mechanisms

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Biology
• Vascular Cell Biology
• Atherosclerosis Research

Background:

• Aortic aneurysm is a major global health concern, ranking as the second most prevalent aortic disease and ninth-leading cause of death.
• Both thoracic and abdominal aortic aneurysms share pathological features like vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) loss, extracellular matrix degradation, and inflammation.
• While experimental models have limitations, they are vital for understanding aortic aneurysm mechanisms and testing therapies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To discuss the critical role of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) in the development of aortic aneurysms.
• To highlight the molecular mechanisms and cellular processes involving VSMCs that contribute to aortic wall pathology.

Main Methods:

• Review and synthesis of existing literature on VSMC function in aortic aneurysm.
• Analysis of experimental models used to study aortic aneurysm pathogenesis.
• Discussion of cellular and molecular factors implicated in VSMC dysfunction.

Main Results:

• VSMC dysfunction, including loss, phenotypic switching, and altered secretion, is central to aortic aneurysm.
• Increased matrix metalloproteinase activity, inflammation, oxidative stress, and impaired autophagy/senescence in VSMCs contribute to disease.
• VSMC loss directly correlates with reduced aortic wall structural integrity.

Conclusions:

• VSMC dysfunction is a significant contributor to aortic aneurysm pathogenesis.
• Further research into VSMC-related signaling pathways is essential for identifying novel therapeutic targets.
• Targeting VSMC behavior offers potential for new treatments for aortic aneurysms.