Role of Oxidative Stress and Autophagy in Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms
L Irace, Vittoria Cammisotto, Valentina Valenti, Maurizio Forte, Leonardo Schirone, Simona Bartimoccia, Alessandra Iaccarino, Mariangela Peruzzi, Sonia Schiavon, Andrea Morelli, Antonino Marullo, Fabio Miraldi, Cristina Nocella, Ruggero De Paulis, Umberto Benedetto, Ernesto Greco, Giuseppe Biondi‐Zoccai, Sebastiano Sciarretta, Roberto Carnevale, Giacomo Frati
Abstract
Thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAA) pathogenesis and progression include many mechanisms. The authors investigated the role of autophagy, oxidative stress, and endothelial dysfunction in 36 TAA patients and 23 control patients. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed. TAA patients displayed higher oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction then control patients. Autophagy in the TAA group was reduced. The association of oxidative stress and autophagy with aortic disease supports the role of these processes in TAA. The authors demonstrate a putative role of Nox2 and autophagy dysregulation in human TAA. These findings could pinpoint novel treatment targets to prevent or limit TAA progression.