Transforming growth factor-beta1 elicits Nrf2-mediated antioxidant responses in aortic smooth muscle cells.

The anti-inflammatory properties of transforming growth factor-beta(1) (TGF-beta(1)) account for its protection against atherosclerotic plaque rupture. This study investigates whether activation of the Nrf2 (nuclear factor erythroid 2 [NF-E2]-related factor 2) transcription pathway is involved in TGF-beta(1) mediated induction of the antioxidant enzyme heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in smooth muscle cells (SMC). Human aortic smooth muscle cells (HAoSMC) or wild-type and Nrf2-deficient mouse (MAoSMC) aortic SMC were treated with TGF-beta(1) (2.

Isolation, culture and characterisation of vascular smooth muscle cells.

Smooth muscle cells (SMCs) are key players in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and restenosis; however, they are also important in formation and development of de novo blood vessels during vasculogenesis and angiogenesis. Vascular SMCs can be formed by proliferation of existing SMCs, maturation of pericytes, or putative smooth muscle progenitor cells, thereby contributing to development of atherosclerotic plaques and angiogenic processes. Modulation of SMC phenotype is now recognised as a key event in the development of vascular diseases.

Adventitial growth factor signalling and vascular remodelling: potential of perivascular gene transfer from the outside-in.

The adventitial segment of the vessel wall has received limited attention compared the endothelium, media and neointima in processes involved in vascular remodelling during atherogenesis, coronary artery bypass graft failure and in response to angioplasty. The adventitia has been regarded as a relatively 'inert' layer providing a supportive connective tissue and extracellular matrix scaffold around vessels for nerves and the vasa vasorum. We and others have recently demonstrated that functional changes in cells within the adventitia contribute to vascular remodelling through the activation and migration of adventitial myofibroblasts, partly under the influence of transforming growth factor-beta1 and platelet derived growth factor-BB.