Abstract
Aging is the dominant process altering vascular stiffness. Risk factors for cardiovascular disease, such as smoking, hypertension and diabetes mellitus, mediate their effects by altering the structure, properties, and function of the vascular wall and endothelial components. Increased vascular stiffness exerts greater afterload stress on the heart. The ability to detect and monitor changes in the physical properties of arteries holds potential to intervene for prevention or attenuation of disease progression. Pulse wave velocity has been used as an index for vascular stiffness and as a surrogate marker for atherosclerosis in laboratory animal models and in the clinic. Mouse models have been used extensively in vascular research. We and others have developed invasive and noninvasive methods to measure pulse wave velocity in rodents, such as rats and mice. Here we review the evidence that the development of atherosclerosis contributes greatly to vascular stiffening; that endothelial nitric oxide plays an important role in modulating vascular stiffness; that angiotensin II injures the vessel and increases vascular stiffness; and that treatment with estrogen attenuates vascular inflammation and reduces vascular stiffness. In addition, we also discuss the influence of hemodynamic, metabolic, inflammatory stimuli in impairing arterial wall integrity as well as potential mechanisms modulating vascular stiffness.
Keywords: vascular stiffness, pulse wave velocity, atherosclerosis, nitric oxide, angiotensin II, estrogen
Current Vascular Pharmacology
Title: Vascular Stiffness: Measurements, Mechanisms and Implications
Volume: 2 Issue: 4
Author(s): Yi-Xin Wang and Richard M. Fitch
Affiliation:
Keywords: vascular stiffness, pulse wave velocity, atherosclerosis, nitric oxide, angiotensin II, estrogen
Abstract: Aging is the dominant process altering vascular stiffness. Risk factors for cardiovascular disease, such as smoking, hypertension and diabetes mellitus, mediate their effects by altering the structure, properties, and function of the vascular wall and endothelial components. Increased vascular stiffness exerts greater afterload stress on the heart. The ability to detect and monitor changes in the physical properties of arteries holds potential to intervene for prevention or attenuation of disease progression. Pulse wave velocity has been used as an index for vascular stiffness and as a surrogate marker for atherosclerosis in laboratory animal models and in the clinic. Mouse models have been used extensively in vascular research. We and others have developed invasive and noninvasive methods to measure pulse wave velocity in rodents, such as rats and mice. Here we review the evidence that the development of atherosclerosis contributes greatly to vascular stiffening; that endothelial nitric oxide plays an important role in modulating vascular stiffness; that angiotensin II injures the vessel and increases vascular stiffness; and that treatment with estrogen attenuates vascular inflammation and reduces vascular stiffness. In addition, we also discuss the influence of hemodynamic, metabolic, inflammatory stimuli in impairing arterial wall integrity as well as potential mechanisms modulating vascular stiffness.
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Cite this article as:
Wang Yi-Xin and Fitch M. Richard, Vascular Stiffness: Measurements, Mechanisms and Implications, Current Vascular Pharmacology 2004; 2 (4) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1570161043385448
DOI https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1570161043385448 |
Print ISSN 1570-1611 |
Publisher Name Bentham Science Publisher |
Online ISSN 1875-6212 |
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Arterial stiffness, a hallmark of cardiovascular disease, poses significant challenges in contemporary healthcare. This thematic issue delves into the multifaceted landscape of arterial stiffness and explores cutting-edge therapeutic interventions aimed at mitigating its adverse effects. Within these pages, readers will find a comprehensive overview of the mechanisms underlying arterial stiffness, ...read more
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Ischemic cardiovascular disease includes myocardial infarction, coronary atherosclerotic heart disease, angina pectoris, etc., constitute the leading cause of patient mortality by preventing tissues from getting sufficient oxygen and nutrients. Ischemic heart disease, as a clinical condition, is characterized by myocardial ischemia, causing an imbalance between myocardial blood supply and demand, ...read more
TREATMENT OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE IN CHRONIC AND END STAGE KIDNEY DISEASE
Cardiovascular disease still remains the leading cause of death in Chronic and End Stage Kidney Disease, accounting for more than half of all deaths in dialysis patients. During the past decade, research has been focused on novel therapeutic agents that might delay or even reverse cardiovascular disease and vascular calcification, ...read more
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