Vascular smooth muscle cell apoptosis - a dangerous phenomenon in vascular disease?

Journal of Clinical and Basic Cardiology 2000; 3 (1): 63-65

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Keywords: Apoptose,  Atherosklerose,  Restenose,  vaskuläre glatte Muskelzellen,  apoptosis,  atherosclerosis,  restenosis,  vascular smooth muscle cells

Vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) apoptosis has been identified in atherosclerosis and after arterial injury, including angioplasty restenosis. The induction of apoptosis has therefore been suggested to be of therapeutic benefit, reducing neointimal size. In contrast, most available evidence suggests that VSMC apoptosis may predispose to plaque rupture and aneurysm formation. In addition, VASMC apoptosis induces a local and systemic pro-coagulant state, and may directly promote inflammation in the vessel wall. This review summarises the concerns that VSMC apoptosis may be detrimental to vascular structure and function. J Clin Basic Cardiol 2000; 3: 63-5.