We have previously studied the process of calcification in bioprosthetic porcine heart valves crosslinked with glutaraldehyde. Observations using light microscopy had indicated that calcification of elastic fibers occurs in implanted heart valves, in addition to calcification associated with collagen fibers. To determine the contribution of elastin to the process of calcification, small pieces of rabbit aorta were cross-linked with 0.2% glutaraldehyde, rinsed in buffer, and implanted subcutaneously in young adult male rats. Cross-linked jugular vein implants were included as controls. After an implantation period of 1 month or longer, we observed many areas of calcification in the aortic media associated with elastin and fewer such areas associated with collagen. The elastin-rich aortic tissues accumulated more calcium than venous tissues. Calcium deposits appeared similar in both allogenic and xenogeneic implants. Calcified areas viewed under the electron microscope included intercellular nonfibrous material. Calcified areas involved predominantly the outer layers of elastic fibers. Calcific deposits included needle-like crystals of hydroxyapatite but often consisted of an amorphous flocculant material surrounded by crystals. The close spatial relationship of hydroxyapatite crystals and elastic membranes seen in this study may be relevant to the initiation of dystrophic calcification in glutaraldehyde cross-linked aortic grafts.
Download full-text PDF |
Source |
|---|---|
| http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/jbm.820260907 | DOI Listing |
Publication Analysis
Top Keywords
Similar Publications
Fruit Acid Inhibits UV-Induced Skin Aging via PI3K/Akt and NF-κB Pathway Inhibition.
Discov Med
January 2025
Dermatology Department, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University, 100020 Beijing, China.
Backgrounds: Ultraviolet (UV) radiation-induced photoaging is a multifaceted biological process. Fruit acids have shown promise in combating photoaging. This study aims to investigate the mechanisms underlying the protective effects of fruit acids on UV-induced skin photoaging.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFStructural and Functional Characterization of the Aorta in Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy.
Circ Heart Fail
January 2025
Aswan Heart Center, Magdi Yacoub Heart Foundation, Egypt (A.M.I., M.R., A. Elsawy, M.H., S.H., W.E., A. Elaithy, A. Elguindy, A. Afifi, Y.A., M.Y.).
Background: Changes in the phenotype and genotype in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) are thought to involve the myocardium as well as extracardiac tissues. Here, we describe the structural and functional changes in the ascending aorta of obstructive patients with HCM.
Methods: Changes in the aortic wall were studied in a cohort of 101 consecutive patients with HCM undergoing myectomy and 9 normal controls.
Tannic acid-modified FK506-loaded nanoparticles targeting lymph nodes for acute heart transplant rejection treatment.
Int J Pharm
January 2025
Department of Ultrasound Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022 China; Clinical Research Center for Medical Imaging in Hubei Province, Wuhan 430022 China; Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan 430022 China. Electronic address:
Significant efforts have been made to deliver immunosuppressants-loaded nanoparticles (NPs) to lymph nodes (LNs) to mitigate transplant rejection. However, conventional administration techniques encounter challenges in enhancing the retention of NPs in the LNs. Attributing the strong affinity of tannic acid (TA) molecules to the elastin of LN conduits, we developed a novel formulation of NPs encapsulating Tacrolimus (FK506), and subsequently modified with TA to produce TA-FNP with a final diameter of approximately 86.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFInhibition of GPR4 Attenuates the Formation of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Through Inhibiting the SP-1/VEGF-A Signaling.
J Biochem Mol Toxicol
January 2025
Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Jingzhou Hospital Affiliated to Yangtze University, Jingzhou City, Hubei Province, China.
Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a severe cardiovascular disease (CVD) that is partly attributable to endothelial dysfunction, inflammatory response, and angiogenesis. G protein-coupled receptor 4 (GPR4), a proton-sensitive G protein-coupled receptor that is abundantly expressed in vascular endothelial cells, has been associated with numerous physiological functions. Nevertheless, its potential involvement in the development of AAA remains unexplored.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFIdentification of an exosite at the neutrophil elastase/alpha-1-antitrypsin interface.
FEBS J
January 2025
Physics, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Italy.
Neutrophil elastase (NE) is released by activated neutrophils during an inflammatory response and exerts proteolytic activity on elastin and other extracellular matrix components. This protease is rapidly inhibited by the plasma serine protease inhibitor alpha-1-antitrypsin (AAT), and the importance of this protective activity on lung tissue is highlighted by the development of early onset emphysema in individuals with AAT deficiency. As a serpin, AAT presents a surface-exposed reactive centre loop (RCL) whose sequence mirrors the target protease specificity.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFWant AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?
Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!