Search results for "aortopathy"
showing 4 items of 4 documents
An overview of the molecular mechanisms underlying development and progression of bicuspid aortic valve disease
2019
Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is a common congenital heart malformation frequently associated with the development of aortic valve diseases and severe aortopathy, such as aortic dilatation, aneurysm and dissection. To date, different genetic loci have been identified in syndromic and non- syndromic forms of BAV. Among these, genes involved in the regulation of extracellular matrix remodelling, epithelial to mesenchymal transition and nitric oxide metabolism appear to be the main contributors to BAV pathogenesis. However, no- single gene model explains BAV inheritance, suggesting that more factors are simultaneously involved. In this regard, characteristic epigenetic and immunological profiles…
Polyamines and microbiota in bicuspid and tricuspid aortic valve aortopathy
2019
Polyamines are small aliphatic cationic molecules synthesized via a highly regulated pathway and involved in general molecular and cellular phenomena. Both mammalian cells and microorganisms synthesize polyamines, and both sources may contribute to the presence of polyamines in the circulation. The dominant location for microorganisms within the body is the gut. Accordingly, the gut microbiota probably synthesizes most of the polyamines in the circulation in addition to those produced by the mammalian host cells. Polyamines are mandatory for cellular growth and proliferation. Established evidence suggests that the polyamine spermidine prolongs lifespan and improves cardiovascular health in …
Biomechanical properties and histomorphometric features of aortic tissue in patients with or without bicuspid aortic valve
2020
Background We sought to investigate and compare biomechanical properties and histomorphometric findings of thoracic ascending aorta aneurysm (TAA) tissue from patients with bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) and tricuspid aortic valve (TAV) in order to clarify mechanisms underlying differences in the clinical course. Methods Circumferential sections of TAA tissue in patients with BAV (BAV-TAA) and TAV (TAV-TAA) were obtained during surgery and used for biomechanical tests and histomorphometrical analysis. Results In BAV-TAA, we observed biomechanical higher peak stress and lower Young modulus values compared with TAV-TAA wall. The right lateral longitudinal region seemed to be the most fragile zon…
Extracellular matrix fiber microarchitecture is region-specific in bicuspid aortic valve-associated ascending aortopathy
2016
Abstract Objective Ascending thoracic aortic aneurysm (ATAA) in patients with bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) commonly dilate asymmetrically compared with patients with tricuspid aortic valve (TAV). This discrepancy in aneurysm geometry led us to hypothesize that microarchitectural differences underlie the observed asymmetric dilatation pattern. The purpose of this study was to characterize the microarchitectural distinctions of the extracellular matrix of the 2 phenotypes with a focus on the proportion of radially oriented elastin and collagen fibers in different circumferential aortic regions. Methods Aortic tissue rings were obtained just distal to the sinotubular junction from patients with…