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Acute Aortic Disease.. - Index of

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154 Botta et al.<br />

Wall stress (kPa)<br />

1000<br />

800<br />

600<br />

400<br />

200<br />

0<br />

Normals < 4cm 4.1-5cm 5.1-6cm > 6 cm<br />

aortic diameter(cm)<br />

Figure 5 From our mechanical studies on the aneurysmal ascending aorta. Note the<br />

exponential relationship between wall stress and aneurysm size in ascending aortic<br />

aneurysms. Dark bars represent blood pressure <strong>of</strong> 100 mmHg; light bars represent blood<br />

pressure <strong>of</strong> 200 mmHg. Lines at 800 to 1000 kPa represent range <strong>of</strong> maximum tensile<br />

strength <strong>of</strong> human aorta. It is no wonder that the aneurysmal aorta ruptures or dissects,<br />

especially under stress or exertion.<br />

at the DNA level in tissues, and proceed through the RNA and protein expression<br />

level (51–54). To assess risk without aortic tissue requirement, circulating biomarkers<br />

are beginning to be assessed.<br />

We have recently completed work that has identified a group <strong>of</strong> single<br />

nucleotide polymorphisms from peripheral blood samples that are reflective <strong>of</strong><br />

aneurysm risk (55). Work is now underway to harness these data and develop a<br />

micro-array chip that would be broadly applicable as a predictive test for<br />

aneurysm propensity.<br />

We have also begun to investigate the correlation between tissue levels<br />

and circulating levels <strong>of</strong> MMP-9, which is responsible for the breakdown <strong>of</strong><br />

elastin in TAAs. We have identified a correlation in MMP-9 levels between these<br />

two locations (blood and tissue) (56). Study is ongoing to determine if MMP-9,<br />

among other biomarkers is predictive <strong>of</strong> aneurysm expansion or complications.<br />

If so, measurement <strong>of</strong> serum MMP-9 levels would greatly enhance the decisionmaking<br />

process in those who are being evaluated for thoracic aneurysm disease.<br />

For aortic dissection, evaluation <strong>of</strong> circulating levels <strong>of</strong> d-dimers, which are<br />

products <strong>of</strong> cross-linked fibrin degradation, has emerged as an extremely sensitive<br />

tool for diagnosis (57,58). If the D-dimers are not elevated, an acute aortic dissection<br />

can almost certainly be excluded.<br />

Is it possible to prevent, arrest, or reverse the process <strong>of</strong> aortic remodeling?<br />

In animal models, the answer is affirmative (59–64), and limited data in humans<br />

seem to concur (65–68). A number <strong>of</strong> agents or modalities have been shown to

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