Abstract
The matrix proteins elastin, collagen, and glycosaminoglycans (GAG) have been shown to influence the mechanical properties of the arterial wall and its function.1–8 Alterations in the extracellular matrix protein composition, specifically the loss of collagen, have been shown to be the critical element responsible for susceptibility of the human arterial wall to aneurysmal dilation and subsequent rupture.1,2 Vessels that have restenosis after aortoplasty have demonstrated the same alteration, the loss of collagen, in the composition of their matrix proteins compared with nonrestenotic vessels.5 Thus, changes in these proteins induced by balloon aortoplasty not only affect aortic wall structure but also function. Balloon aortoplasty of aortic coarctation has unknown clinical and pathologic consequences over the course of a lifetime. This investigation examines whether there are changes in the extracellular matrix proteins in human coarctation specimens treated with balloon aortoplasty that were subsequently removed at operation due to restenosis.
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