Smooth muscle apoptosis and vascular remodeling.
OBJECTIVE
The present review is to summarize recent advances in molecular mechanisms that regulate vascular smooth muscle cell apoptosis during vascular remodeling. In normal blood vessels apoptosis counteracts cell division, whereas apoptosis is especially crucial for regulating vascular remodeling during cardiovascular diseases.


RESULTS
Recent results have expanded our knowledge regarding the signaling pathways and molecules that regulate vascular smooth muscle cell death in postnatal vascular remodeling. Compelling data from genetic disorders associated with vascular smooth muscle cell loss (e.g., Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome) and experimental studies suggest that changes in hemodynamic and mechanical forces are major modulators for vascular smooth muscle cell apoptosis. Furthermore, understanding the therapeutic effects of antihypertensive drugs related to apoptosis may identify pathways that can improve outcomes independent of the blood pressure fall.


CONCLUSIONS
Regulation of vascular smooth muscle cell apoptosis is a potential target to modify pathological vascular remodeling and new drugs development.
Korshunov
Vyacheslav A
VA
Aab Cardiovascular Research Institute and Department of Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York 14586, USA. Slava_Korshunov@URMC.rochester.edu
Berk
Bradford C
BC
D000818:Animals; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000502:physiology*; D001158:Arteries / Q000503:physiopathology; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000166:cytology; D006801:Humans; D051379:Mice; D009131:Muscle, Smooth, Vascular / Q000166:cytology* / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D032389:Myocytes, Smooth Muscle / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*
D000959:Antihypertensive Agents