title: Transforming growth factor-β and abdominal aortic aneurysms.
abstract: Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) are common problems in aged people which can be associated with severe complications including aortic rupture and death. Transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ) has been implicated as causative in the development of thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAAs). In contrast, current evidence suggests TGFβ inhibits AAA development. Polymorphisms in the TGFβ signaling components are associated with AAA in some human population studies. In experimental animals TGFβ protects against AAA formation, progression and rupture. In animal models of AAA TGFβ decreases aortic inflammatory cell infiltration, extracellular matrix degradation, and vascular smooth muscle cell apoptosis, all factors implicated in AAA pathogenesis. The TGFβ signaling pathway may provide a therapeutic target for AAA although better clarity is needed regarding the distinct roles of TGFβ in TAA and AAA.
authors.affiliation: The Vascular Biology Unit, Queensland Research Centre for Peripheral Vascular Disease, School of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia.
authors.forename: Yutang
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Smriti
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Krishna
authors.forename: Philip J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Walker
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Norman
authors.forename: Jonathan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Golledge
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D017544:Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control; D017545:Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic / Q000209:etiology; D006439:Hemodynamics; D006801:Humans; D020935:MAP Kinase Signaling System; D051379:Mice; D019869:Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases / Q000378:metabolism; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic; D018125:Receptors, Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000378:metabolism; D015398:Signal Transduction; D051785:Smad Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D018125:Receptors, Transforming Growth Factor beta; D051785:Smad Proteins; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta; D019869:Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases