Aortic Aneurysms and Dissections Series

• Published in: Arteriosclerosis, thrombosis, and vascular biology Vol. 40; no. 3; pp. e37 - e46
• Main Authors: Shen, Ying H., LeMaire, Scott A., Webb, Nancy R., Cassis, Lisa A., Daugherty, Alan, Lu, Hong S.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States American Heart Association, Inc 01-03-2020
• Subjects: Aneurysm, Dissecting - metabolism; Aneurysm, Dissecting - pathology; Aneurysm, Dissecting - physiopathology; Animals; Aorta - metabolism; Aorta - pathology; Aorta - physiopathology; Aortic Aneurysm - metabolism; Aortic Aneurysm - pathology; Aortic Aneurysm - physiopathology; Dilatation, Pathologic; Endothelial Cells - metabolism; Endothelial Cells - pathology; Extracellular Matrix - metabolism; Extracellular Matrix - pathology; Fibroblasts - metabolism; Fibroblasts - pathology; Hemodynamics; Humans; Muscle, Smooth, Vascular - metabolism; Muscle, Smooth, Vascular - pathology; Muscle, Smooth, Vascular - physiopathology; Myocytes, Smooth Muscle - metabolism; Myocytes, Smooth Muscle - pathology; Vascular Remodeling; proteoglycans; aortic aneurysm; muscles; inflammation; extracellular matrix
• ISSN: 1079-5642; 1524-4636
• DOI: 10.1161/ATVBAHA.120.313991

The aortic wall is composed of highly dynamic cell populations and extracellular matrix. In response to changes in the biomechanical environment, aortic cells and extracellular matrix modulate their structure and functions to increase aortic wall strength and meet the hemodynamic demand. Compromise in the structural and functional integrity of aortic components leads to aortic degeneration, biomechanical failure, and the development of aortic aneurysms and dissections (AAD). A better understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of AAD will facilitate the development of effective medications to treat these conditions. Here, we summarize recent findings on AAD published in ATVB. In this issue, we focus on the dynamics of aortic cells and extracellular matrix in AAD; in the next issue, we will focus on the role of signaling pathways in AAD.