Increasing evidence for immune-mediated processes and new therapeutic approaches in abdominal aortic aneurysms--a review.
Animal models for abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs), immunogenetical and pathophysiological studies support the importance of immune-mediated processes in the pathogenesis of AAA disease. Neutrophils, natural killer (NK) cells, monocytes/macrophages, and proinflammatory cytokines are involved in the complex and dynamic tissue remodeling of the AAA vessel wall. Our group showed an increased prevalence of circulating interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) producing CD28(-) T cells especially in smaller AAAs, thus supporting the concept of a T cell-mediated pathophysiology of AAAs, especially during the early development of AAAs. Further research should now assess the possible benefit of anti-inflammatory therapeutic approaches in AAA patients, especially with small AAAs.
Duftner
Christina
C
Department of Internal Medicine, Clinical Division of General Internal Medicine, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck, Austria.
Seiler
Rüdiger
R
Dejaco
Christian
C
Fraedrich
Gustav
G
Schirmer
Michael
M
D000818:Animals; D000906:Antibodies / Q000276:immunology; D017544:Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology* / Q000628:therapy*; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D015395:Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007167:Immunotherapy; D018836:Inflammation Mediators / Q000097:blood
D000906:Antibodies; D015415:Biomarkers; D015395:Histocompatibility Antigens Class I; D018836:Inflammation Mediators