EXTRACELLULAR-MATRIX AND CARDIOVASCULAR-DISEASES

Extracellular matrix (ECM) in the heart and vascular wall includes fib rous proteins and proteoglycans. Fibrous proteins are classified withi n two categories: structural (collagen and elastin) and adhesive molec ules (Laminin and fibronectin). These ECM components are important in maintenance of both structure and function of the heart and vascular t issues. Myocardial infarction, hypertrophy, hypertension and heart fai lure are well known to be associated with progressive cardiac fibrosis . Vascular hypertrophy and thickening has been associated with the pat hological series of events that attends both hypertension and restenos is. The accumulation of ECM in the cardiovascular system plays an impo rtant role in the development of heart failure after myocardial infarc tion and hypertension, as well as in vascular hypertrophy and restenos is. Angiotensin II (angiotensin) and transforming growth factor beta 1 are known to play a role in signalling the abnormal accumulation of E CM in these cardiovascular diseases. Administration of angiotensin-con verting enzyme inhibitor or angiotensin receptor type I antagonist is associated with regression of cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis as well as vascular hypertrophy.