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Updated: Aug 26, 2025

Measuring the Stiffness of Ex Vivo Mouse Aortas Using Atomic Force Microscopy
Published on: October 19, 2016
Vascular stiffening and endothelial dysfunction in atherosclerosis
Aukie Hooglugt1,2, Olivia Klatt1, Stephan Huveneers1
1Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Department of Medical Biochemistry, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences.
Insights
Aging increases arterial stiffness, a key risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Understanding endothelial dysfunction in stiffening arteries may reveal new therapeutic targets for atherosclerosis.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Science
- Aging Research
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- Aging is a primary risk factor for cardiovascular disease, characterized by increased arterial stiffness.
- Vascular stiffening compromises endothelial integrity, promoting immune cell infiltration and driving atherosclerosis.
- Current therapeutic strategies for arterial stiffening remain limited.
Conclusions:
- Further research into the endothelial role in stiffness-related cardiovascular disease is crucial.
- Identifying new targets could restore endothelial function in atherosclerosis.
- Novel interventions may complement existing treatments for cardiovascular disease.
Purpose Of Review:
Aging is an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease and is associated with increased vessel wall stiffness. Pathophysiological stiffening, notably in arteries, disturbs the integrity of the vascular endothelium and promotes permeability and transmigration of immune cells, thereby driving the development of atherosclerosis and related vascular diseases. Effective therapeutic strategies for arterial stiffening are still lacking.
Recent Findings:
Here, we overview the literature on age-related arterial stiffening, from patient-derived data to preclinical in-vivo and in-vitro findings. First, we overview the common techniques that are used to measure stiffness and discuss the observed stiffness values in atherosclerosis and aging. Next, the endothelial response to stiffening and possibilities to attenuate this response are discussed.
Summary:
Future research that will define the endothelial contribution to stiffness-related cardiovascular disease may provide new targets for intervention to restore endothelial function in atherosclerosis and complement the use of currently applied lipid-lowering, antihypertensive, and anti-inflammatory drugs.
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