Degenerative aortic valve disease and diabetes: Implications for a link between proteoglycans and diabetic disorders in the aortic valve.

Degenerative aortic valve disease in combination with diabetes is an increasing burden worldwide. There is growing evidence that particularly small leucine-rich proteoglycans are involved in the development of degenerative aortic valve disease. Nevertheless, the role of these molecules in this disease in the course of diabetes has not been elucidated in detail and previous studies remain controversial.

Hyaluronan synthase 3 promotes plaque inflammation and atheroprogression.

Objective: Hyaluronan (HA) is a prominent component of the provisional extracellular matrix (ECM) present in the neointima of atherosclerotic plaques. Here the role of HA synthase 3 (HAS3) in atheroprogression was studied.

Approach And Results: It is demonstrated here that HAS isoenzymes 1, -2 and -3 are expressed in human atherosclerotic plaques of the carotid artery.

Deletion of Hyaluronan Synthase 3 Inhibits Neointimal Hyperplasia in Mice.

Objective: Hyaluronan (HA) is a polymeric glucosaminoglycan that forms a provisional extracellular matrix in diseased vessels. HA is synthesized by 3 different HA synthases (HAS1, HAS2, and HAS3). Aim of this study was to unravel the role of the HAS3 isoenzyme during experimental neointimal hyperplasia.