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Nature Medicine 8, 1249 - 1256 (2002)
doi:10.1038/nm1102-1249

Vascular proliferation and atherosclerosis: New perspectives and therapeutic strategies

Victor J. Dzau1, Ruediger C. Braun-Dullaeus2 & Daniel G. Sedding2


In atherosclerosis, the vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) contributes to vessel wall inflammation and lipoprotein retention, as well as to the formation of the fibrous cap that provides stability to the plaque. The VSMC can undergo a proliferative response that underlies the development of in-stent restenosis, bypass graft occlusion and transplant vasculopathy. Although the benefit/risk of therapeutic inhibition of VSMC proliferation in atherosclerosis is unclear, experimental and human evidence strongly suggests the therapeutic potential of antiproliferative therapy for in-stent restenosis, bypass graft failure and other vascular proliferative disorders.


Atherosclerosis involves multiple processes including endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, vascular proliferation and matrix alteration. Vascular proliferation contributes to the pathobiology of atherosclerosis and is linked to other cellular processes such as inflammation, apoptosis and matrix alterations.

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REFERENCE
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