An aortic aneurysm is a permanent dilatation of the aorta and can be located in either the abdominal or thoracic sections. Advanced age, male sex, cigarette smoking, and genetic predisposition are associated with the development of aortic aneurysms. Upon rupture, it immediately becomes a fatal condition with a rapid onset of symptoms. Recent advances in medicine have led to the development of many new treatments such as low-invasive endovascular therapy. The new technology induces many versatile stents which can be applied to various lesions and areas of aortic aneurysms. These devices as well as, new approaches for surgical methods, have saved the lives of many patients with aortic aneurysms. In addition, basic studies of aortic aneurysms have identified several molecular mechanisms and pathways which involve the remodeling of the extracellular matrix and a set of cellular responses in smooth muscle cells and inflammatory cells. Currently, there are still no pharmacological targets or drug therapies available to treat this fatal disease.
Since there are several common pathways in the development and progression of atherosclerosis and aortic aneurysms, the effects of anti-hypertensive and anti-dyslipidemic therapies have been investigated with a view to preventing aneurysm growth and rupture. Unfortunately, the results are still controversial.
The most problematic issue is lack of knowledge surrounding the precise molecular mechanism underlying the development and progression of abdominal and thoracic aortic aneurysms.
This Research Topic aims to highlight new molecular mechanistic insights underlying the development and progression of abdominal and thoracic aortic aneurysms using proper animal models or basic research approaches in the field of vascular biology. Studies using genetically modified animals, new antibodies and new pharmacological approaches are welcomed. Studies to examine tissues of human aortic aneurysms to elucidate molecular biology as well as translational studies which potentially lead to the development of new treatments are also welcomed.
An aortic aneurysm is a permanent dilatation of the aorta and can be located in either the abdominal or thoracic sections. Advanced age, male sex, cigarette smoking, and genetic predisposition are associated with the development of aortic aneurysms. Upon rupture, it immediately becomes a fatal condition with a rapid onset of symptoms. Recent advances in medicine have led to the development of many new treatments such as low-invasive endovascular therapy. The new technology induces many versatile stents which can be applied to various lesions and areas of aortic aneurysms. These devices as well as, new approaches for surgical methods, have saved the lives of many patients with aortic aneurysms. In addition, basic studies of aortic aneurysms have identified several molecular mechanisms and pathways which involve the remodeling of the extracellular matrix and a set of cellular responses in smooth muscle cells and inflammatory cells. Currently, there are still no pharmacological targets or drug therapies available to treat this fatal disease.
Since there are several common pathways in the development and progression of atherosclerosis and aortic aneurysms, the effects of anti-hypertensive and anti-dyslipidemic therapies have been investigated with a view to preventing aneurysm growth and rupture. Unfortunately, the results are still controversial.
The most problematic issue is lack of knowledge surrounding the precise molecular mechanism underlying the development and progression of abdominal and thoracic aortic aneurysms.
This Research Topic aims to highlight new molecular mechanistic insights underlying the development and progression of abdominal and thoracic aortic aneurysms using proper animal models or basic research approaches in the field of vascular biology. Studies using genetically modified animals, new antibodies and new pharmacological approaches are welcomed. Studies to examine tissues of human aortic aneurysms to elucidate molecular biology as well as translational studies which potentially lead to the development of new treatments are also welcomed.