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Author Spotlight: Development and Characterization of a Mouse Model for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
Published on: August 2, 2024
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Pathogenesis and management of abdominal aortic aneurysm
Jonathan Golledge1,2,3, Shivshankar Thanigaimani1,2, Janet T Powell4
1Queensland Research Centre for Peripheral Vascular Disease, College of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, 1 James Cook Drive, Douglas, Townsville, QLD, Australia.
European Heart Journal
|June 30, 2023
Summary
Currently, no drug therapy effectively limits abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) growth. Further research is needed to identify and test new treatments for this life-threatening condition.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Research
- Vascular Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a significant cause of global mortality, with current management focusing on monitoring small aneurysms and surgical repair for larger or symptomatic ones.
- Despite advances in surgical repair, developing therapies to inhibit AAA growth and prevent rupture remains a critical unmet need.
Approach:
- This review synthesizes current research on AAA pathogenesis and explores potential therapeutic strategies targeting aneurysm growth.
- It examines findings from genome-wide association studies, Mendelian randomization analyses, and numerous randomized controlled trials investigating various drug classes.
Key Points:
- Genome-wide association studies have identified interleukin-6 (IL-6) as a potential drug target, while Mendelian randomization suggests targeting low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and smoking cessation.
- Thirteen placebo-controlled trials evaluating antibiotics, antihypertensives, fenofibrate, and other agents failed to demonstrate convincing efficacy in slowing AAA growth, often due to methodological limitations.
- Observational data suggest potential benefits of blood pressure reduction (e.g., ACE inhibitors) and metformin, with the latter currently under investigation in randomized trials.
Conclusions:
- No drug therapy has demonstrated convincing efficacy in limiting abdominal aortic aneurysm growth within randomized controlled trials.
- Larger, prospective studies are essential to validate potential therapeutic targets and develop effective pharmacological interventions for AAA management.
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