Observations reveal AGE engagement alters VSMC behavior and macrophage cytokine release in abdominal aortic aneurysms, suggesting new insights into pathogenesis.
Key Points
AGEs accumulate significantly in human abdominal aortic aneurysms, particularly with intraluminal thrombus present.
Exposure to AGEs leads to vascular smooth muscle cell migration and reduced contractility and contractile markers.
AGE pretreatment in macrophages minimally affects basal secretion but lowers cytokine responses to LPS stimulation.
Spatial transcriptomics indicates AGE-RAGE signaling is enriched in specific VSMC and macrophage populations within AAAs.