AAA-MSCs expressed typical mesenchymal markers and, in line with the histological analysis, elevated levels of OPN, an osteogenic marker also involved in vascular remodelling.
Elevated messenger RNA expression and plasma protein levels of osteopontin and matrix metalloproteinase types 2 and 9 in patients with ascending aortic aneurysms.
In BAV TAA SMCs osteopontin (OPN) expression was significantly elevated, and TAV TAA SMCs showed decreased expression of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 3 (TIMP3).
Elevated expressions of osteopontin and tenascin C in ascending aortic aneurysms are associated with trileaflet aortic valves as compared with bicuspid aortic valves.