Inflammation is known to contribute to the pathogenesis of vascular diseases in which arterial wall extracellular matrix (ECM) homeostasis is disrupted. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), a pivotal cytokine that regulates ECM metabolism by increasing degradation and decreasing production of arterial collagens, is associated with vulnerable plaques and aortic aneurysms.
Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, Texas Heart Institute at St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital, and Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA.
