Accentuating and Opposing Factors Leading to Development of Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms Not Due to Genetic or Inherited Conditions

Abstract

Understanding and unraveling the pathophysiology of thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA), a vascular disease with a potentially high-mortality rate, is one of the next frontiers in vascular biology. The processes leading to the formation of TAA, of unknown cause, so-called degenerative TAA, are complex. This review advances the concept of promoters and inhibitors of the development of degenerative TAA. Promoters of TAA development include age, blood pressure elevation, increased pulse pressure, neurohumeral factors increasing blood pressure, inflammation specifically IFN-γ, IL-1 β, IL-6, TNF-α, and S100 A12; the coagulation system specifically plasmin, platelets, and thrombin as well as matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). SMAD-2 signaling and specific microRNAs modulate TAA development. The major inhibitors or factors opposing TAA development are the constituents of the aortic wall (elastic lamellae, collagen, fibulins, fibronectin, proteoglycans, and vascular smooth muscle cells), which maintain normal aortic dimensions in the face of aortic wall stress, specific tissue MMP inhibitors, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, protease nexin-1, and Syndecans. Increases in promoters and reductions in inhibitors expand the thoracic aorta leading to TAA formation.

Keywords: pathophysiology; thoracic aortic aneurysm.

Figure 1

Shows the relationship between aortic wall stress and systolic blood pressure in thoracic aortic aneurysm of different sizes [from Rabkin and Janusz (21)].

Figure 2

Shows some of the inflammatory factors that may be operative in production of TAA.

Figure 3

Shows factors in coagulation cascade that produce or oppose development of TAA.

Figure 4

Shows some of the blood pressure and vascular factors that produce or oppose development of TAA.