<b>Aims:</b> The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) plays an important role in the pathophysiology of vascular diseases, especially as a mediator of inflammation and tissue remodelling.
<b>Objectives:</b> We explored the interactions of osteoprotegerin (OPG) with biomarkers of bone turnover and cytokines, including soluble receptor activator for nuclear factor kappa beta ligand (sRANKL), tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-induced ligand (TRAIL), and Wnt inhibitors in osteoporosis, vasculopathy and fibrosis related to systemic sclerosis (SSc).
Vasculopathy in the α-galactosidase A null mouse is manifested as oxidant-induced thrombosis, accelerated atherogenesis, and impaired arterial reactivity.
PPARgamma activation in human endothelial cells increases plasminogen activator inhibitor type-1 expression: PPARgamma as a potential mediator in vascular disease.
ENDOGLIN codes for a homodimeric membrane glycoprotein that interacts with receptors for members of the TGF-beta superfamily and is the gene mutated in the autosomal dominant vascular disorder hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia type 1 (HHT1).
Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene polymorphism, hyperhomocysteinemia and occlusive retinal vascular disease in type 2 diabetic and non-diabetic subjects.
Thrombospondin-1 is a large matricellular protein that acts as a pleiotropic growth factor for human vascular smooth muscle cells, and may play a role in the progression of vascular disease.
Plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) is the main fibrinolysis inhibitor, and high plasma levels are associated with an increased risk for vascular diseases.