血管纤维化过程中TGF-β及信号转导的作用

血管纤维化,作为高血压与糖尿病的主要并发症,表现在过量的细胞外基质的沉积导致血管管腔直径缩小及动脉管壁增厚。转化生长因子β(TGF-β)被认为是最重要的细胞外基质调节因子,参与了包括高血压、血管成形术后再狭窄、动脉粥样硬化等心血管疾病的发病过程。TGF-β与血管紧张素Ⅱ(AngⅡ)关系密切。结缔组织生长因子(CTGF)作为TGF-β下游因子参与了其介导的纤维化。AngⅡ及CTGF阻断剂显示出对心血管系统的保护作用。深入了解TGF-β及信号转导在血管纤维化过程中的作用,有望提供新的防治血管纤维化的策略。

Role of Transforming Growth Factor-β and Its Signaling Transduction in the Process of Vascular Fibrosis

Vascular fibrosis is a major complication of hypertension and diabetic meUitus, vascular fibrosis, characterized by reduced lumen diameter and arterial wall thickening attributable to excessive deposition of extracellular matrix （ECM） .Transforming growth factor-β （TGF-β） participates in the pathogenesis of hypertension, restenosis, atherosclerosis, et al. TGF-β has long been believed to be the most important extraeeUular matrix regulator. The interrelation between TGF-β angiotensin- Ⅱ （ Ang Ⅱ ） is already established, connective tissue growth factor （CTGF） is a domnstream mediator of TGF-β-indueed fibrosis. Blockers of Ang Ⅱ and CTGF have been demonstrated to have beneficial effects on many cardiovascular diseases. A better knowledge of TGF-β and its signal transduetion mechanism can provide novel therapeutic approaches for vascular fibrosis.