Could medical intervention work for aortic aneurysms?
BACKGROUND
Aortic aneurysms represent a serious and common condition. Current therapies are based on mechanical treatment. With increased knowledge of the biochemical mechanisms responsible for aneurysm expansion, it may be possible to prevent the growth of small aneurysms.


METHODS
A series of experiments performed in the investigator's laboratory during the past decade is outlined to show the evolution of our concepts of the processes underlying aneurysm formation and progression.


RESULTS
Our understanding of aortic aneurysms has changed dramatically. Once thought to represent a simple degenerative process, aneurysm tissue is highly active metabolically with ongoing synthesis and degradation of matrix proteins. Several members of a family of matrix-degrading enzymes play an important role in this process. These enzymes can be inhibited by the antibiotic doxycycline.


CONCLUSIONS
With a better understanding of aneurysm pathology, it may be possible in the future to inhibit the growth of small aortic aneurysms before they reach a size at which the risk of rupture is significant.
Baxter
B Timothy
BT
Department of Surgery, University of Nebraska Medical Center and Methodist Hospital, 8111 Dodge St., Suite 220, Omaha, NE 68114, USA. btbaxter@unmc.edu
D000818:Animals; D001014:Aortic Aneurysm / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D017544:Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000201:enzymology / Q000503:physiopathology; D017545:Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000201:enzymology / Q000503:physiopathology; D018450:Disease Progression; D004318:Doxycycline / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005544:Forecasting; D006801:Humans; D020782:Matrix Metalloproteinases / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D013677:Medical Laboratory Science; D051379:Mice; D011379:Prognosis; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000032:analysis; D019714:Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinases / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D012333:RNA, Messenger; D019714:Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinases; D020782:Matrix Metalloproteinases; D004318:Doxycycline