Ketosis prevents abdominal aortic aneurysm rupture through C-C chemokine receptor type 2 downregulation and enhanced extracellular matrix balance.

Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) are prevalent with aging, and AAA rupture is associated with increased mortality. There is currently no effective medical therapy to prevent AAA rupture. The monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP-1)/C-C chemokine receptor type 2 (CCR2) axis critically regulates AAA inflammation, matrix-metalloproteinase (MMP) production, and extracellular matrix (ECM) stability.

Chemokine Receptor 2 Is A Theranostic Biomarker for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms.

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a degenerative vascular disease impacting aging populations with a high mortality upon rupture. There are no effective medical therapies to prevent AAA expansion and rupture. We previously demonstrated the role of the monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) / C-C chemokine receptor type 2 (CCR2) axis in rodent AAA pathogenesis via positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) using CCR2 targeted radiotracer Cu-DOTA-ECL1i.

Ketosis Prevents Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Rupture Through CCR2 Downregulation and Enhanced MMP Balance.

Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) are common in aging populations, and AAA rupture is associated with high morbidity and mortality. There is currently no effective medical preventative therapy for AAAs to avoid rupture. It is known that the monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP-1) / C-C chemokine receptor type 2 (CCR2) axis critically regulates AAA tissue inflammation, matrix-metalloproteinase (MMP) production, and in turn extracellular matrix (ECM) stability.

Management of Seat Belt-type Blunt Abdominal Aortic Trauma and Associated Injuries in Pediatric Patients.

Background: "Seat belt-type" pediatric abdominal aortic trauma is uncommon but potentially lethal. During high speed motor vehicle collisions (MVCs), seat or lap belt restraints may concentrate forces in a band-like pattern across the abdomen, resulting in the triad of hollow viscus perforation, spine fracture, and aortoiliac injury. We report 4 cases of pediatric seat belt-type aortic trauma and review management strategies for the aortic disruption and the associated constellation of injuries.

CCR2 Positron Emission Tomography for the Assessment of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Inflammation and Rupture Prediction.

Background: The monocyte chemoattractant protein-1/CCR2 (chemokine receptor 2) axis plays an important role in abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) pathogenesis, with effects on disease progression and anatomic stability. We assessed the expression of CCR2 in a rodent model and human tissues, using a targeted positron emission tomography radiotracer (Cu-DOTA-ECL1i).

Methods: AAAs were generated in Sprague-Dawley rats by exposing the infrarenal, intraluminal aorta to PPE (porcine pancreatic elastase) under pressure to induce aneurysmal degeneration.

The natural history of splanchnic artery aneurysms and outcomes after operative intervention.

Objective: Splanchnic artery aneurysms (SAAs) are uncommon, and standards for surveillance and intervention are lacking. The goal of this study was to review our 20-year experience with managing SAAs.

Methods: The Research Patient Data Registry at the Massachusetts General Hospital was queried, and all patients with SAAs identified by axial imaging from 1994 to 2014 were included.

Utility of (18) F-FDG and (11)C-PBR28 microPET for the assessment of rat aortic aneurysm inflammation.

Background: The utility of (18) F-FDG and (11)C-PBR28 to identify aortic wall inflammation associated with abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) development was assessed.

Methods: Utilizing the porcine pancreatic elastase (PPE) perfusion model, abdominal aortas of male Sprague-Dawley rats were infused with active PPE (APPE, AAA; N = 24) or heat-inactivated PPE (IPPE, controls; N = 16). Aortic diameter increases were monitored by ultrasound (US).

Increased 18F-FDG uptake is predictive of rupture in a novel rat abdominal aortic aneurysm rupture model.

Objective: To determine whether F-fluorodeoxyglucose (F-FDG) micro-positron emission tomography (micro-PET) can predict abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) rupture.

Background: An infrarenal AAA model is needed to study inflammatory mechanisms that drive rupture. F-FDG PET can detect vascular inflammation in animal models and patients.

Imaging of carrageenan-induced local inflammation and adjuvant-induced systemic arthritis with [(11)C]PBR28 PET.

Introduction: [(11)C] PBR28 binding to translocator protein (TSPO) was evaluated for imaging of acute and chronic inflammation using two established rat models.

Methods: Acute inflammation was induced by local carrageenan injection into the paw of Fisher 344 rats (model A). T-cell mediated adjuvant arthritis was induced by heat-inactivated Mycobacterium butyricum injection in Lewis rats (model B).

Carotid artery stenting: identification of risk factors for poor outcomes.

Objectives: Age greater than 80 has been identified as a risk factor for complications, including stroke and death, in patients undergoing carotid artery angioplasty and stenting (CAS). This study evaluates other potential predictors of perioperative complications in patients undergoing CAS.

Methods: All cerebrovascular endovascular procedures performed by the vascular surgery division at our university hospital between July 2003 and December 2005 were retrospectively examined.

Influence of body temperature on the BOLD effect in murine SCC tumors.

Changes in the blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) enhancements in tumors (squamous cell carcinoma, (SCCVII)) implanted in mice maintained at core temperatures of 30 degrees C or 37 degrees C were measured using MRI and compared to tumor oxygen levels obtained using an oxygen-sensitive Eppendorf electrode. Tumors were implanted in a hindleg of the mice intramuscularly. Tumor-bearing mice were imaged by BOLD MRI, while first breathing air and then carbogen (95% O2, 5% CO2) for 15-min intervals at a core temperature of 30 degrees C.