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Wang X, Baksh SS, Pratt RE, Dzau VJ, Hodgkinson CP. Modifying miRs for effective reprogramming of fibroblasts to cardiomyocytes. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2024; 35:102160. [PMID: 38495845 PMCID: PMC10943962 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2024.102160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Reprogramming scar fibroblasts into cardiomyocytes has been proposed to reverse the damage associated with myocardial infarction. However, the limited improvement in cardiac function calls for enhanced strategies. We reported enhanced efficacy of our miR reprogramming cocktail miR combo (miR-1, miR-133a, miR-208a, and miR-499) via RNA-sensing receptor stimulation. We hypothesized that we could combine RNA-sensing receptor activation with fibroblast reprogramming by chemically modifying miR combo. To test the hypothesis, miR combo was modified to enhance interaction with the RNA-sensing receptor Rig1 via the addition of a 5'-triphosphate (5'ppp) group. Importantly, when compared with unmodified miR combo, 5'ppp-modified miR combo markedly improved reprogramming efficacy in vitro. Enhanced reprogramming efficacy correlated with a type-I interferon immune response with strong and selective secretion of interferon β (IFNβ). Antibody blocking studies and media replacement experiments indicated that 5'ppp-miR combo utilized IFNβ to enhance fibroblast reprogramming efficacy. In conclusion, miRs can acquire powerful additional roles through chemical modification that potentially increases their clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinghua Wang
- Mandel Center for Hypertension and Atherosclerosis, and the Duke Cardiovascular Research Center, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Syeda S. Baksh
- Mandel Center for Hypertension and Atherosclerosis, and the Duke Cardiovascular Research Center, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Richard E. Pratt
- Mandel Center for Hypertension and Atherosclerosis, and the Duke Cardiovascular Research Center, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Victor J. Dzau
- Mandel Center for Hypertension and Atherosclerosis, and the Duke Cardiovascular Research Center, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Conrad P. Hodgkinson
- Mandel Center for Hypertension and Atherosclerosis, and the Duke Cardiovascular Research Center, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
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Jiang B, Ren P, He C, Wang M, Murtada SI, Chen Y, Ramachandra AB, Li G, Qin L, Assi R, Schwartz MA, Humphrey JD, Tellides G. Short-Term Disruption of TGFβ Signaling in Adult Mice Renders the Aorta Vulnerable to Hypertension-Induced Dissection. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.22.590484. [PMID: 38712205 PMCID: PMC11071440 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.22.590484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
Hypertension and transient increases in blood pressure from extreme exertion are risk factors for aortic dissection in patients with age-related vascular degeneration or inherited connective tissue disorders. Yet, the common experimental model of angiotensin II-induced aortopathy in mice appears independent of high blood pressure as lesions do not occur in response to an alternative vasoconstrictor, norepinephrine, and are not prevented by co-treatment with a vasodilator, hydralazine. We investigated vasoconstrictor administration to adult mice 1 week after disruption of TGFβ signaling in smooth muscle cells. Norepinephrine increased blood pressure and induced aortic dissection by 7 days and even within 30 minutes that was rescued by hydralazine; results were similar with angiotensin II. Changes in regulatory contractile molecule expression were not of pathological significance. Rather, reduced synthesis of extracellular matrix yielded a vulnerable aortic phenotype by decreasing medial collagen, most dynamically type XVIII, and impairing cell-matrix adhesion. We conclude that transient and sustained increases in blood pressure cause dissection in aortas rendered vulnerable by inhibition of TGFβ-driven extracellular matrix production by smooth muscle cells. A corollary is that medial fibrosis, a frequent feature of medial degeneration, may afford some protection against aortic dissection.
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Hassab AH, Hur DJ, Vallabhajosyula P, Tellides G, Assi R. Intimomedial tears of the aorta heal by smooth muscle cell-mediated fibrosis without atherosclerosis. JCI Insight 2024; 9:e172437. [PMID: 38592807 PMCID: PMC11141924 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.172437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUNDDisease of the aorta varies from atherosclerosis to aneurysms, with complications including rupture, dissection, and poorly characterized limited tears. We studied limited tears without any mural hematoma, termed intimomedial tears, to gain insight into aortic vulnerability to excessive wall stresses. Our premise is that minimal injuries in aortas with sufficient medial resilience to prevent tear progression correspond to initial mechanisms leading to complete structural failure in aortas with significantly compromised medial resilience.METHODSIntimomedial tears were macroscopically identified in 9 of 108 ascending aortas after surgery and analyzed by histology and immunofluorescence confocal microscopy.RESULTSNonhemorrhagic, nonatheromatous tears correlated with advanced aneurysmal disease and most lacked distinctive symptoms or radiological signs. Tears traversed the intima and part of the subjacent media, while the resultant defects were partially or completely filled with neointima characterized by differentiated smooth muscle cells, scattered leukocytes, dense fibrosis, and absent elastic laminae despite tropoelastin synthesis. Healed lesions contained organized fibrin at tear edges without evidence of plasma and erythrocyte extravasation or lipid accumulation.CONCLUSIONThese findings suggest a multiphasic model of aortic wall failure in which primary lesions of intimomedial tears either heal if the media is sufficiently resilient or progress as dissection or rupture by medial delamination and tear completion, respectively. Moreover, mural incorporation of thrombus and cellular responses to injury, two historically important concepts in atheroma pathogenesis, contribute to vessel wall repair with adequate conduit function, but even together are not sufficient to induce atherosclerosis.FUNDINGNIH (R01-HL146723, R01-HL168473) and Yale Department of Surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - David J. Hur
- Department of Internal Medicine (Cardiovascular Medicine), Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | | | - George Tellides
- Department of Surgery (Cardiac), and
- Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Program in Vascular Biology and Therapeutics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Roland Assi
- Department of Surgery (Cardiac), and
- Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Program in Vascular Biology and Therapeutics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
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Shen J, Zhang Y, Wu X. Rapamycin promotes hematoma resorption and enhances endothelial cell function by suppressing the mTOR/STAT3 signaling in chronic subdural hematoma. Exp Cell Res 2023; 433:113829. [PMID: 37879548 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2023.113829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) remains a neurosurgical condition and a healthy burden especially in elderly patients. This study focuses on the functions of rapamycin and its related molecular mechanisms in CSDH management. A rat model of CSDH was induced, which developed significant hematoma on day 5 after operation. The rats were treated with rapamycin or atorvastatin, a drug with known effect on hematoma alleviation, or treated with rapamycin and atorvastatin in combination. The atorvastatin or rapamycin treatment reduced the hematoma development, blood-brain barrier permeability, neurological dysfunction in CSDH rats, and the combination treatment showed more pronounced effects. Human brain microvascular endothelial cells hCMEC/D3 were stimulated by hematoma samples to mimic a CSDH condition in vitro. The drug treatments elevated the cell junction-related factors and reduced the pro-inflammatory cytokines both in rat hematoma tissues and in hCMEC/D3 cells. Rapamycin suppressed the mTOR and STAT3 signaling pathways. Overexpression of mTOR or the STAT3 agonist suppressed the alleviating effects of rapamycin on CSDH. In summary, this study demonstrates that rapamycin promotes hematoma resorption and enhances endothelial cell function by suppressing the mTOR/STAT3 signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Shen
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230601, Anhui, PR China.
| | - Yile Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xijing Hospital, Xi'an, 710000, Shaanxi, PR China
| | - Xiaoqiang Wu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The People's Hospital of Sixian County, Suzhou, 234399, Anhui, PR China
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Wu Y, Fan L, Liu F, Zhuang H, Wu X. Minimally invasive closure of a progressive pseudoaneurysm of the ascending aorta: A case report. Front Cardiovasc Med 2023; 10:1134196. [PMID: 37008339 PMCID: PMC10064447 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2023.1134196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Ascending aortic pseudoaneurysm (AAP) is rare but may cause life-threatening complications. Although the placement of a stent graft and the use of occluder devices and vascular plugs to exclude pseudoaneurysm are adopted for some patients, the management of progressive pseudoaneurysms that may rupture at any time remains a challenge that needs to be addressed. In this study, we present the case of a patient with an AAP that was caused by aortic and mitral valve replacement for the giant left ventricle. Aortic pseudoaneurysm was suspected on the basis of a spherical cystic echo (70 × 80 mm) of the ascending aorta; this pseudoaneurysm was detected by an ultrasonic cardiogram, and the diagnosis was confirmed by an aortic computed tomography angiography (CTA) examination. To prevent the unexpected rupture of a progressive pseudoaneurysm, our patient was treated with a 28- mm ASD occluder without any procedural complications. Our patient has a good prognosis, which will inspire clinicians to choose minimally invasive procedures when dealing with such high-risk cases in emergency situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Wu
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Xiamen Cardiovascular Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Linglin Fan
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Xiamen Cardiovascular Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Fei Liu
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Xiamen Cardiovascular Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Hui Zhuang
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Xiamen Cardiovascular Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Xijie Wu
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Xiamen Cardiovascular Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Correspondence: Xijie Wu
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Toczek J, Gona K, Liu Y, Ahmad A, Ghim M, Ojha D, Kukreja G, Salarian M, Luehmann H, Heo GS, Guzman RJ, Ochoa Chaar CI, Tellides G, Hassab AH, Ye Y, Shoghi KI, Zayed MA, Gropler RJ, Sadeghi MM. Positron Emission Tomography Imaging of Vessel Wall Matrix Metalloproteinase Activity in Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm. Circ Cardiovasc Imaging 2023; 16:e014615. [PMID: 36649454 PMCID: PMC9858355 DOI: 10.1161/circimaging.122.014615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play a key role in the pathogenesis of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Imaging aortic MMP activity, especially using positron emission tomography to access high sensitivity, quantitative data, could potentially improve AAA risk stratification. Here, we describe the design, synthesis, characterization, and evaluation in murine AAA and human aortic tissue of a first-in-class MMP-targeted positron emission tomography radioligand, 64Cu-RYM2. METHODS The broad spectrum MMP inhibitor, RYM2 was synthetized, and its potency as an MMP inhibitor was evaluated by a competitive inhibition assay. Toxicology studies were performed. Tracer biodistribution was evaluated in a murine model of AAA induced by angiotensin II infusion in Apolipoprotein E-deficient mice. 64Cu-RYM2 binding to normal and aneurysmal human aortic tissues was assessed by autoradiography. RESULTS RYM2 functioned as an MMP inhibitor with nanomolar affinities. Toxicology studies showed no adverse reaction in mice. Upon radiolabeling with Cu-64, the resulting tracer was stable in murine and human blood in vitro. Biodistribution and metabolite analysis in mice showed rapid renal clearance and acceptable in vivo stability. In vivo positron emission tomography/computed tomography in a murine model of AAA showed a specific aortic signal, which correlated with ex vivo measured MMP activity and Cd68 gene expression. 64Cu-RYM2 specifically bound to normal and aneurysmal human aortic tissues in correlation with MMP activity. CONCLUSIONS 64Cu-RYM2 is a first-in-class MMP-targeted positron emission tomography tracer with favorable stability, biodistribution, performance in preclinical AAA, and importantly, specific binding to human tissues. These data set the stage for 64Cu-RYM2-based translational imaging studies of vessel wall MMP activity, and indirectly, inflammation, in AAA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakub Toczek
- Cardiovascular Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine and Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT (USA)
- Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT (USA)
| | - Kiran Gona
- Cardiovascular Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine and Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT (USA)
- Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT (USA)
| | - Yongjian Liu
- Department of Radiology, Washington University, St. Louis, MO (USA)
| | - Azmi Ahmad
- Cardiovascular Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine and Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT (USA)
- Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT (USA)
| | - Mean Ghim
- Cardiovascular Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine and Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT (USA)
- Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT (USA)
| | - Devi Ojha
- Cardiovascular Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine and Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT (USA)
- Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT (USA)
| | - Gunjan Kukreja
- Cardiovascular Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine and Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT (USA)
- Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT (USA)
| | - Mani Salarian
- Cardiovascular Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine and Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT (USA)
- Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT (USA)
| | - Hannah Luehmann
- Department of Radiology, Washington University, St. Louis, MO (USA)
| | - Gyu Seong Heo
- Department of Radiology, Washington University, St. Louis, MO (USA)
| | - Raul J. Guzman
- Division of Vascular Surgery and Endovascular Therapy, Department of Surgery, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT (USA)
| | - Cassius I. Ochoa Chaar
- Division of Vascular Surgery and Endovascular Therapy, Department of Surgery, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT (USA)
| | - George Tellides
- Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT (USA)
- Department of Surgery, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT (USA)
| | | | - Yunpeng Ye
- Cardiovascular Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine and Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT (USA)
- Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT (USA)
| | | | - Mohamed A. Zayed
- Department of Surgery, Washington University, St. Louis, MO (USA)
| | | | - Mehran M. Sadeghi
- Cardiovascular Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine and Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT (USA)
- Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT (USA)
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Fang ZM, Feng X, Chen Y, Luo H, Jiang DS, Yi X. Targeting autophagy in aortic aneurysm and dissection. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 153:113547. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
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Weiss D, Long AS, Tellides G, Avril S, Humphrey JD, Bersi MR. Evolving Mural Defects, Dilatation, and Biomechanical Dysfunction in Angiotensin II-Induced Thoracic Aortopathies. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2022; 42:973-986. [PMID: 35770665 PMCID: PMC9339505 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.122.317394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Thoracic aortopathy associates with extracellular matrix remodeling and altered biomechanical properties. We sought to quantify the natural history of thoracic aortopathy in a common mouse model and to correlate measures of wall remodeling such as aortic dilatation or localized mural defects with evolving microstructural composition and biomechanical properties of the wall. METHODS We combined a high-resolution multimodality imaging approach (panoramic digital image correlation and optical coherence tomography) with histopathologic examinations and biaxial mechanical testing to correlate spatially, for the first time, macroscopic mural defects and medial degeneration within the ascending aorta with local changes in aortic wall composition and mechanical properties. RESULTS Findings revealed strong correlations between local decreases in elastic energy storage and increases in circumferential material stiffness with increasing proximal aortic diameter and especially mural defect size. Mural defects tended to exhibit a pronounced biomechanical dysfunction that is driven by an altered organization of collagen and elastic fibers. CONCLUSIONS While aneurysmal dilatation is often observed within particular segments of the aorta, dissection and rupture initiate as highly localized mechanical failures. We show that wall composition and material properties are compromised in regions of local mural defects, which further increases the dilatation and overall structural vulnerability of the wall. Identification of therapies focused on promoting robust collagen accumulation may protect the wall from these vulnerabilities and limit the incidence of dissection and rupture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dar Weiss
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT. (D.W., A.S.L., J.D.H., M.R.B.)
| | - Aaron S Long
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT. (D.W., A.S.L., J.D.H., M.R.B.)
| | - George Tellides
- Department of Surgery, Yale University, New Haven, CT. (G.T.).,Vascular Biology and Therapeutics Program, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT (G.T., J.D.H.)
| | - Stéphane Avril
- Mines Saint-Etienne, University of Lyon, University Jean Monnet, INSERM, France (S.A.)
| | - Jay D Humphrey
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT. (D.W., A.S.L., J.D.H., M.R.B.).,Vascular Biology and Therapeutics Program, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT (G.T., J.D.H.)
| | - Matthew R Bersi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT. (D.W., A.S.L., J.D.H., M.R.B.).,Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Washington University in St. Louis, MO (M.R.B.)
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Imaging Techniques for Aortic Aneurysms and Dissections in Mice: Comparisons of Ex Vivo, In Situ, and Ultrasound Approaches. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12020339. [PMID: 35204838 PMCID: PMC8869425 DOI: 10.3390/biom12020339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Aortic aneurysms and dissections are life-threatening conditions that have a high risk for lethal bleeding and organ malperfusion. Many studies have investigated the molecular basis of these diseases using mouse models. In mice, ex vivo, in situ, and ultrasound imaging are major approaches to evaluate aortic diameters, a common parameter to determine the severity of aortic aneurysms. However, accurate evaluations of aortic dimensions by these imaging approaches could be challenging due to pathological features of aortic aneurysms. Currently, there is no standardized mode to assess aortic dissections in mice. It is important to understand the characteristics of each approach for reliable evaluation of aortic dilatations. In this review, we summarize imaging techniques used for aortic visualization in recent mouse studies and discuss their pros and cons. We also provide suggestions to facilitate the visualization of mouse aortas.
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