Vascular Function

Vascular function is regulated by many cell components, including endothelial cells (ECs), vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), and adventitial tissues with inflammatory cells, autonomic nervous system, and vasa vasorum. The interactions among these cells/tissues are substantially involved in the vascular health and disease. All these cell components secrete several growth factors, cytokines/chemokines, and extracellular matrix, all of which contribute to vascular homeostasis. Among them, the growth factors secreted from VSMCs play important roles in the vascular remodeling process because they mediate various cellular responses. In addition, oxidative stress is one of the important stimuli that modulate VSMC function and proliferation. Many recent publications in ATVB have added further information on the roles of each cell component in the regulation of vascular function and diseases, including cytokines/chemokines, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), VSMC proliferation, and inflammation. Some publications have also provided a novel role of perivascular adipose tissues and perivascular stem cells that contribute to the development of vascular diseases. This article will focus on these recent publications in ATVB.