Cigarette smoke enhances abdominal aortic aneurysm formation in angiotensin II-treated apolipoprotein E-deficient mice

Association of gene polymorphisms in FBN1 and TGF-β signaling with the susceptibility and prognostic outcomes of Stanford type B aortic dissection

Background

This study is aimed at investigating the association of Fibrillin-1 (FBN1) and transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) signaling-related gene polymorphisms with the susceptibility of Stanford type B aortic dissection (AD) and its clinical prognostic outcomes.

Methods

Five single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) (FBN1rs 145233125, rs201170905, rs11070646, TGFB1rs1800469, and TGFB2rs900) were analyzed in patients with Stanford type B AD (164) and healthy controls (317). Gene–gene and gene–environment interactions were assessed by generalized multifactor dimensionality reduction. A 4-year follow-up was performed for all AD patients.

Results

G carriers of FBN1 rs201170905 and TGFB1 rs1800469 have an increased risk of Stanford type B AD. The interaction of FBN1, TGFB1, TGFB2 and environmental promoted to the increased risk of type B AD (cross-validation consistency = 10/10, P = 0.001). Dominant models of FBN1rs145233125 TC + CC genotype (P = 0.028), FBN1 rs201170905 AG + GG (P = 0.047) and TGFB1 rs1800469 AG + GG (P = 0.052) were associated with an increased risk of death of Stanford type B AD. The recessive model of FBN1 rs145233125 CC genotype (P < 0.001), FBN1rs201170905 GG (P < 0.001), TGFB1 rs1800469 AG + GG genotype (P = 0.011) was associated with an increased risk of recurrence of chest pain in Stanford type B AD.

Conclusions

The interactions of gene–gene and gene–environment are related with the risk of Stanford type B AD. C carriers of rs145233125, G carriers of rs201170905 and G carriers of rs1800469 may be the poor clinical outcome indicators of mortality and recurrent chest pain in Stanford type B AD.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12920-022-01213-z.

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Formation with a Focus on Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a lethal degenerative vascular disease that affects, mostly, the elder population, with a high mortality rate (>80%) upon rupture. It features a dilation of the aortic diameter to larger than 30 mm or more than 50%. Diverse pathological processes are involved in the development of AAA, including aortic wall inflammation, elastin breakdown, oxidative stress, smooth muscle cell (SMC) phenotypic switching and dysfunction, and extracellular matrix degradation. With open surgery being the only therapeutic option up to date, the lack of pharmaceutical treatment approach calls for identifying novel and effective targets and further understanding the pathological process of AAA. Both lifestyle and genetic predisposition have an important role in increasing the risk of AAA. Several cell types are closely related to the pathogenesis of AAA. Among them, vascular SMCs (VSMCs) are gaining much attention as a critical contributor for AAA initiation and/or progression. In this review, we summarize what is known about AAA, including the risk factors, the pathophysiology, and the established animal models of AAA. In particular, we focus on the VSMC phenotypic switching and dysfunction in AAA formation. Further understanding the regulation of VSMC phenotypic changes may provide novel therapeutic targets for the treatment or prevention of AAA.

Translating mouse models of abdominal aortic aneurysm to the translational needs of vascular surgery

Introduction

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a condition that has considerable socioeconomic impact and an eventual rupture is associated with high mortality and morbidity. Despite decades of research, surgical repair remains the treatment of choice and no medical therapy is currently available. Animal models and, in particular, murine models, of AAA are a vital tool for experimental in vivo research. However, each of the different models has individual limitations and provide only partial mimicry of human disease. This narrative review addresses the translational potential of the available mouse models, highlighting unanswered questions from a clinical perspective. It is based on a thorough presentation of the available literature and more than a decade of personal experience, with most of the available models in experimental and translational AAA research.

Results

From all the models published, only the four inducible models, namely the angiotensin II model (AngII), the porcine pancreatic elastase perfusion model (PPE), the external periadventitial elastase application (ePPE), and the CaCl₂ model have been widely used by different independent research groups. Although the angiotensin II model provides features of dissection and aneurysm formation, the PPE model shows reliable features of human AAA, especially beyond day 7 after induction, but remains technically challenging. The translational value of ePPE as a model and the combination with β-aminopropionitrile to induce rupture and intraluminal thrombus formation is promising, but warrants further mechanistic insights. Finally, the external CaCl₂ application is known to produce inflammatory vascular wall thickening. Unmet translational research questions include the origin of AAA development, monitoring aneurysm growth, gender issues, and novel surgical therapies as well as novel nonsurgical therapies.

Conclusion

New imaging techniques, experimental therapeutic alternatives, and endovascular treatment options provide a plethora of research topics to strengthen the individual features of currently available mouse models, creating the possibility of shedding new light on translational research questions.

Smoking and the Pathophysiology of Peripheral Artery Disease

Smoking is one of the most important preventable factors causing peripheral artery disease (PAD). The purpose of this review is to comprehensively analyze and summarize the pathogenesis and clinical characteristics of smoking in PAD based on existing clinical, in vivo, and in vitro studies. Extensive searches and literature reviews have shown that a large amount of data exists on the pathological process underlying the effects of cigarette smoke and its components on PAD through various mechanisms. Cigarette smoke extracts (CSE) induce endothelial cell dysfunction, smooth muscle cell remodeling and macrophage phenotypic transformation through multiple molecular mechanisms. These pathological changes are the molecular basis for the occurrence and development of peripheral vascular diseases. With few discussions on the topic, we will summarize recent insights into the effect of smoking on regulating PAD through multiple pathways and its possible pathogenic mechanism.

Risk reduction and pharmacological strategies to prevent progression of aortic aneurysms

INTRODUCTION

While size thresholds exist to determine when aortic aneurysms warrant surgical intervention, there is no consensus on how best to treat this disease before aneurysms reach the threshold for intervention. Since a landmark study in 1994 first suggested ß-blockers may be useful in preventing aortic aneurysm growth, there has been a surge in research investigating different pharmacologic therapies for aortic aneurysms - with very mixed results.

AREAS COVERED

We have reviewed the existing literature on medical therapies used for thoracic and abdominal aortic aneurysms in humans. These include ß-blockers, angiotensin II receptor blockers, and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors as well as miscellaneous drugs such as tetracyclines, macrolides, statins, and anti-platelet medications.

EXPERT OPINION

While multiple classes of drugs have been explored for risk reduction in aneurysm disease, with few exceptions results have been disappointing with an abundance of contradictory findings. The vast majority of studies have been done in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms or thoracic aortic aneurysm patients with Marfan Syndrome. There exists a striking gap in the literature when it comes to pharmacologic management of non-Marfan Syndrome patients with thoracic aortic aneurysms. Given the differences in pathogenesis, this is an important future direction for aortic aneurysm research.

The smoking-dyslipidaemia dyad: A potent synergistic risk for atherosclerotic coronary artery disease

BACKGROUND

Smoking and dyslipidaemia are known individual risk factors of coronary artery disease (CAD). The present study examined the combined risk of smoking and dyslipidaemia on coronary atherosclerosis.

METHODS

Coronary artery calcium (CAC), measured by cardiac CT, was used to assess the extent of CAD, which was related to smoking and dyslipidaemia using logistic regression, adjusted for age, sex, hypertension, BMI and family history of ischaemic heart disease.

RESULTS

Seventy-one patients (46 men, 25 women: median age of 53.7yrs; IQR = 47.0-59.5) were recruited. The mean log10 CAC score in never-smokers without dyslipidaemia (reference group) was 0.37 (SD = 0.73), while the value in those with a history of smoking was 0.44 ± 0.48 (mean difference: 0.07, 95%CI:-0.67 to 0.81, p = 0.844), dyslipidaemia was 1.07 ± 1.08 (mean difference: 0.71, 95%CI: 0.24 to 1.17, p = 0.003), and both risk factors was 1.82 ± 0.64 (mean difference: 1.45, 95%CI:0.88 to 2.02, p < 0.001). For individuals in the reference group, the proportions with none, one and multiple vessel disease were 80.6%, 16.1% and 3.2%; for those with a history of smoking or with dyslipidaemia were 50.0%, 25.0% and 25.0%; and for those with both risk factors were 8.3%, 25.0% and 66.7%. Patients with a history of both risk factors had greater adjusted risks of having one- vessel disease - OR = 14.3 (95%CI = 2.1-98.2) or multiple vessel disease: OR = 51.8 (95%CI = 4.2-609.6).

CONCLUSIONS

Smoking and dyslipidaemia together are associated with high coronary artery calcification and CAD, independent of other major risk factors.

Nicotine in Senescence and Atherosclerosis

Cigarette smoke is a known exacerbator of age-related pathologies, such as cardiovascular disease (CVD), atherosclerosis, and cellular aging (senescence). However, the role of nicotine and its major metabolite cotinine is yet to be elucidated. Considering the growing amount of nicotine-containing aerosol use in recent years, the role of nicotine is a relevant public health concern. A number of recent studies and health education sites have focused on nicotine aerosol-induced adverse lung function, and neglected cardiovascular (CV) impairments and diseases. A critical review of the present scientific literature leads to the hypothesis that nicotine mediates the effects of cigarette smoke in the CV system by increasing MAPK signaling, inflammation, and oxidative stress through NADPH oxidase 1 (Nox1), to induce vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) senescence. The accumulation of senescent VSMCs in the lesion cap is detrimental as it increases the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis by promoting an unstable plaque phenotype. Therefore, nicotine, and most likely its metabolite cotinine, adversely influence atherosclerosis.

Tobacco smoking and the risk of abdominal aortic aneurysm: a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective studies

Several studies have found that smoking increases the risk of abdominal aortic aneurysm, however, the strength of the association has differed between studies and data from cohort studies have not yet been summarized. A systematic review and meta-analysis was therefore conducted to clarify this association. We searched PubMed and Embase databases up to May 2nd 2018. A random effects model was used to estimate summary relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Twenty three prospective studies were included. Comparing current, former and ever smokers with never smokers the summary RRs were 4.87 (95% CI: 3.93-6.02, I2 = 92%, n = 20), 2.10 (95% CI: 1.76-2.50, I2 = 71%, n = 15) and 3.28 (95% CI: 2.60-4.15, I2 = 96%, n = 18), respectively. The summary RR was 1.87 (95% CI: 1.45-2.40, I2 = 97%) per 10 cigarettes per day, 1.78 (95% CI: 1.54-2.06, I2 = 83%) per 10 pack-years was and 0.45 (95% CI: 0.32-0.63, I2 = 92.3%) per 10 years of smoking cessation. There was evidence of nonlinearity for cigarettes per day and pack-years (pnonlinearity < 0.0001 and pnonlinearity = 0.02, respectively), but not for smoking cessation, pnonlinearity = 0.85. Among smokers who quit, the RR was similar to that of never smokers by 25 years of smoking cessation. These findings confirm a strong association between smoking and the risk of developing abdominal aortic aneurysms.

Autoimmunity in the Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm and its Association with Smoking

Smoking increases the risk of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) in both humans and mice, although the underlying mechanisms are not completely understood. An adventitial aortic antigen, AAAP-40, has been partially sequenced. It has motifs with similarities to all three fibrinogen chains and appears to be connected in evolution to a large family of proteins called fibrinogen-related proteins. Fibrinogen may undergo non-enzymatic nitration, which may result from exposure to nitric oxide in cigarette smoke. Nitration of proteins renders them more immunogenic. It has recently been reported that anti-fibrinogen antibody promotes AAA development in mice. Also, anti-fibrinogen antibodies are present in patients with AAA. These matters are reviewed in the overall context of autoimmunity in AAA. The evidence suggests that smoking amplifies an auto-immune reaction that is critical to the pathogenesis of AAA.

The Role Matrix Metalloproteinases in the Production of Aortic Aneurysm

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) have been implicated in the pathogenesis of aortic aneurysm because the histology of thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) and abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is characterized by the loss of smooth muscle cells in the aortic media and the destruction of extracellular matrix (ECM). Furthermore, AAA have evidence of inflammation and the cellular elements involved in inflammation such as macrophages can produce and/or activate MMPs This chapter focuses on human aortic aneurysm that are not due to specific known genetic causes because this type of aneurysm is the more common type. This chapter will also focus on MMP protein expression rather than on genetic data which may not necessarily translate to increased MMP protein expression. There are supporting data that certain MMPs are increased in the aortic wall. For TAA, it is most notably MMP-1, -9, -12, and -14 and MMP-2 when a bicuspid aortic valve is present. For AAA, it is MMP-1, -2, -3, -9, -12, and -13. The data are weaker or insufficient for the other MMPs. Several studies of gene polymorphisms support MMP-9 for TAA and MMP-3 for AAA as potentially important factors. The signaling pathways in the aorta that can lead to MMP activation include JNK, JAK/stat, osteopontin, and AMP-activated protein kinase alpha2. Substrates in the human vasculature for MMP-3, MMP-9, or MMP-14 include collagen, elastin, ECM glycoprotein, and proteoglycans. Confirmed and potential substrates for MMPs, maintain aortic size and function so that a reduction in their content relative to other components of the aortic wall may produce a failure to maintain aortic size leading to dilatation and aneurysm formation.

Aerosol from Tobacco Heating System 2.2 has reduced impact on mouse heart gene expression compared with cigarette smoke

Experimental studies clearly demonstrate a causal effect of cigarette smoking on cardiovascular disease. To reduce the individual risk and population harm caused by smoking, alternative products to cigarettes are being developed. We recently reported on an apolipoprotein E-deficient (Apoe-/-) mouse inhalation study that compared the effects of exposure to aerosol from a candidate modified risk tobacco product, Tobacco Heating System 2.2 (THS2.2), and smoke from the reference cigarette (3R4F) on pulmonary and vascular biology. Here, we applied a transcriptomics approach to evaluate the impact of the exposure to 3R4F smoke and THS2.2 aerosol on heart tissues from the same cohort of mice. The systems response profiles demonstrated that 3R4F smoke exposure led to time-dependent transcriptomics changes (False Discovery Rate (FDR) < 0.05; 44 differentially expressed genes at 3-months; 491 at 8-months). Analysis of differentially expressed genes in the heart tissue indicated that 3R4F exposure induced the downregulation of genes involved in cytoskeleton organization and the contractile function of the heart, notably genes that encode beta actin (Actb), actinin alpha 4 (Actn4), and filamin C (Flnc). This was accompanied by the downregulation of genes related to the inflammatory response. None of these effects were observed in the group exposed to THS2.2 aerosol.

The Apoe(-/-) mouse model: a suitable model to study cardiovascular and respiratory diseases in the context of cigarette smoke exposure and harm reduction

Atherosclerosis-prone apolipoprotein E-deficient (Apoe(-/-)) mice display poor lipoprotein clearance with subsequent accumulation of cholesterol ester-enriched particles in the blood, which promote the development of atherosclerotic plaques. Therefore, the Apoe(-/-) mouse model is well established for the study of human atherosclerosis. The systemic proinflammatory status of Apoe(-/-) mice also makes them good candidates for studying chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, characterized by pulmonary inflammation, airway obstruction, and emphysema, and which shares several risk factors with cardiovascular diseases, including smoking. Herein, we review the results from published studies using Apoe(-/-) mice, with a particular focus on work conducted in the context of cigarette smoke inhalation studies. The findings from these studies highlight the suitability of this animal model for researching the effects of cigarette smoking on atherosclerosis and emphysema.

Influence of cardiovascular risk factors on levels of matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9 in human abdominal aortic aneurysms

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the influence of cardiovascular risk factors on levels of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) 2 and 9 in human abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA).

METHODS

Aortic samples were collected from patients who underwent AAA repair (n = 89). Patients were stratified according to the maximum transverse aorta diameter: small diameter (<55 mm), moderate diameter (55-69.9 mm) and large diameter (≥70 mm). Aortic walls were studied using real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry. MMP-2, MMP-9, α-actin, CD45, and CD68 transcript levels were determined relative to β-actin. Quantitative data were expressed as median (IQ-range).

RESULTS

No differences were found in MMP-2 expression between the patient groups, which was mainly associated with vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC); however, MMP-9 displayed the maximum level in the moderate-diameter group, associated with infiltrating macrophages. Current smoking (CS) and renal insufficiency (RI) significantly increased local levels of MMP-2 (CS 349.5 [219.5-414.1] vs. no-CS 184.4 [100.0-320.5]; p < .008; RI 286.8 [189.6-410.8] vs. no-RI 177.3 [99.3-326.9]; p = .047). Nevertheless, after stepwise linear regression analysis only CS remained as an independent variable predicting local levels of MMP-2 (p = .002). No risk factors influenced local levels of MMP-9.

CONCLUSIONS

The results show that local levels of MMP-2, an important factor for AAA development, were increased in current smoking AAA patients. MMP-2 was mainly associated with VSMC. It is suggested that MMP-2 could contribute significantly to the increased AAA growth rate observed in current smoking patients. These findings support inclusion of smokers in screening for aneurysmal disease, and emphasize the need for more aggressive monitoring of aneurysmal disease outside the surgical range in patients who smoke at the time of diagnosis and in those who continue to smoke during follow-up.

Active smoking increases microsomal PGE2-synthase-1/PGE-receptor-4 axis in human abdominal aortic aneurysms

Background. The cyclooxygenase- (COX-) 2/microsomal PGE-synthase- (mPGES-) 1/PGE-receptor- (EP-) 4 axis could play a key role in the physiopathology of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) in humans. In this study, we investigated the influence of cardiovascular risk factors on the expression of the PGE₂ pathway in human AAA. Methods. Aortic (n = 89) and plasma (n = 79) samples from patients who underwent AAA repair were collected. Patients were grouped according to risk factors. COX-isoenzymes, mPGES-1, EPs, α-actin, and CD45 and CD68 transcripts levels were quantified by QRT-PCR and plasma PGE₂ metabolites by EIA. Results. Current smoking (CS) patients compared to no-CS had significantly higher local levels of mPGES-1 (P = 0.009), EP-4 (P = 0.007), and PGE₂ metabolites plasma levels (P = 0.008). In the multiple linear regression analysis, these parameters remained significantly enhanced in CS after adding confounding factors. Results from association studies with cell type markers suggested that the increased mPGES-1/EP-4 levels were mainly associated with microvascular endothelial cells. Conclusions. This study shows that elements of the PGE₂ pathway, which play an important role in AAA development, are increased in CS. These results provide insight into the relevance of tobacco smoking in AAA development and reinforce the potential of mPGES-1 and EP-4 as targets for therapy in AAA patients.

Cathepsins: a new culprit behind abdominal aortic aneurysm

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a fatal disease defined as an abdominal aortic diameter of 3.0 cm or more, where the abdominal aorta exceeds the normal diameter by more than 50%. Histopathological changes of AAA mainly include extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling at the abdominal aorta wall, but there is lack of specific drugs to treat AAA. Recent studies have reported that lysosomal cathepsins could induce vascular remodeling and AAA formation by regulating vascular inflammation, medial smooth muscle cell apoptosis, neovascularization, and protease expression. Thus, cathepsins are expected to become a new therapeutic target for AAA treatment.

Understanding the effects of tobacco smoke on the pathogenesis of aortic aneurysm

Aneurysmal arterial disease is a vascular degenerative condition that is distinct from atherosclerotic and other occlusive arterial diseases. There is regionalization of the predisposition to aneurysm formation within the vascular tree, and the pathological process varies with location. Infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is the most common manifestation of aneurysmal disease, and smoking is the dominant risk factor. Smoking is a much greater risk factor for AAA than for atherosclerosis. In addition to playing a role in the pathogenesis of AAA, smoking also increases the rate of expansion and risk of rupture of established AAA. The mechanistic relationship between AAA and smoking is being established by the use of enhanced animal models that are dependent on smoke or smoke components. The mechanisms seem to involve durable alterations in vascular smooth muscle cell and inflammatory cell function. This review examines the clinical, epidemiological, and mechanistic evidence implicating smoking as a cause of aneurysms, focusing on AAA.

Novel mechanism of aortic aneurysm development in mice associated with smoking and leukocytes

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate potential mechanisms promoting abdominal aortic aneurysm development with tobacco smoke (TS) exposure.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Experiments used the elastase perfusion model of abdominal aortic aneurysms with smoke-free controls. The effect of TS exposure was evaluated in C57/Bl6 mice, after broad-spectrum matrix metalloproteinase inhibition with doxycycline and in mice deficient in matrix metalloproteinase-9, matrix metalloproteinase-12, Cathepsin-S, and Neutrophil Elastase. Preparations of washed marrow, spleen, and peripheral blood leukocytes were transferred to smoke-free mice from 6-week TS-exposed mice or smoke-free mice. All mice were euthanized 14 days after elastase perfusion, and the percentage of change in aortic diameter (%Δ aortic diameter) was calculated. Electron microscopy of aortic tissue from animals exposed to TS without elastase exposure did not demonstrate any ultrastructural changes. Neither doxycycline nor any specific elastase deficiency was effective at preventing an increase in %Δ aortic diameter in TS-exposed animals. Smoke exposure for 6 weeks increased the %Δ aortic diameter after a smoke-free interval of up to 6 weeks before elastase perfusion. Leukocyte preparations from TS-exposed mice localized to abdominal aortic aneurysms and increased the %Δ aortic diameter in smoke-free mice.

CONCLUSIONS

The effect of TS on the development of abdominal aortic aneurysms is not dependent on the activity of elastolytic enzymes and persists for long periods despite cessation of TS. Alterations in leukocyte response to aortic injury appear to mediate this effect.

Pathogenesis of abdominal aortic aneurysms: role of nicotine and nicotinic acetylcholine receptors

Inflammation, proteolysis, smooth muscle cell apoptosis, and angiogenesis have been implicated in the pathogenesis of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs), although the well-defined initiating mechanism is not fully understood. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) such as MMP-2 and -9 and other proteinases degrading elastin and extracellular matrix are the critical pathogenesis of AAAs. Among the risk factors of AAAs, cigarette smoking is an irrefutable one. Cigarette smoke is practically involved in various aspects of the AAA pathogenesis. Nicotine, a major alkaloid in tobacco leaves and a primary component in cigarette smoke, can stimulate the MMPs expression by vascular SMCs, endothelial cells, and inflammatory cells in vascular wall and induce angiogenesis in the aneurysmal tissues. However, for the inflammatory and apoptotic processes in the pathogenesis of AAAs, nicotine seems to be moving in just the opposite direction. Additionally, the effects of nicotine are probably dose dependent or associated with the exposure duration and may be partly exerted by its receptors—nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). In this paper, we will mainly discuss the pathogenesis of AAAs involving inflammation, proteolysis, smooth muscle cell apoptosis and angiogenesis, and the roles of nicotine and nAChRs.

Polychlorinated biphenyl 77 augments angiotensin II-induced atherosclerosis and abdominal aortic aneurysms in male apolipoprotein E deficient mice

Infusion of angiotensin II (AngII) to hyperlipidemic mice augments atherosclerosis and causes formation of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs). Each of these AngII-induced vascular pathologies exhibit pronounced inflammation. Previous studies demonstrated that coplanar polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) promote inflammation in endothelial cells and adipocytes, two cell types implicated in AngII-induced vascular pathologies. The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that administration of PCB77 to male apolipoprotein E (ApoE) -/- mice promotes AngII-induced atherosclerosis and AAA formation. Male ApoE-/- mice were administered vehicle or PCB77 (49 mg/kg, i.p.) during week 1 and 4 (2 divided doses/week) of AngII infusion. Body weights and total serum cholesterol concentrations were not influenced by administration of PCB77. Systolic blood pressure was increased in AngII-infused mice administered PCB77 compared to vehicle (156±6 vs 137±5 mmHg, respectively). The percentage of aortic arch covered by atherosclerotic lesions was increased in AngII-infused mice administered PCB77 compared to vehicle (2.0±0.4 vs 0.9±0.1%, respectively). Lumen diameters of abdominal aortas determined by in vivo ultrasound and external diameters of excised suprarenal aortas were increased in AngII-infused mice administered PCB77 compared to vehicle. In addition, AAA incidence increased from 47 to 85% in AngII-infused mice administered PCB77. Adipose tissue in close proximity to AAAs from mice administered PCB77 exhibited increased mRNA abundance of proinflammatory cytokines and elevated expression of components of the renin-angiotensin system (angiotensinogen, angiotensin type 1a receptor (AT1aR)). These results demonstrate that PCB77 augments AngII-induced atherosclerosis and AAA formation.