Title:Inflammatory Cells and Proteases in Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm and its Complications
Volume: 19
Issue: 11
Author(s): Haiying Jiang, Takeshi Sasaki, Enze Jin, Masafumi Kuzuya and Xian Wu Cheng*
Affiliation:
- Department of Cardiology and Heart Center/Hypertension, Yanbian University Hospital, Yanji 133000, Jilin Prov.,China
Keywords:
Abdominal aortic aneurysm, inflammatory cells, proteases, extracellular matrix, macrophages, atherosclerosis.
Abstract: Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), a common disease among elderly individuals, involves
the progressive dilatation of the abdominal aorta as a consequence of degeneration. The mechanisms
of AAA formation, development and rupture are largely unknown. Surgical repair is the only available
method of treatment since the lack of knowledge regarding the pathogenesis of AAA has hindered the
development of suitable medical treatments, particularly the development of drugs. In this review, we
describe the inflammatory cells and proteases that may be involved in the formation and development
of AAA. This knowledge can contribute to the development of new drugs for AAA.