Salicylates and vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation: Molecular mechanisms for cell cycle arrest

Salicylates are effective prophylactic treatment strategies for myocardial infarction and ischemic strokes. Recent evidence suggests that high doses o f salicylates may exert direct, platelet-independent effects on the vascula r wall. Salicylate and aspirin, in concentrations between 1 and 5 mM, effec tively inhibit vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation and DNA synthesis without inducing cellular toxicity or apoptosis. This inhibition is associa ted with effects on specific cell-cycle regulatory molecules, and may proce ed via downregulation of the transcription factor; nuclear factor (NF)-kapp aB. High-dose salicylates and selective NF-kappaB inhibitors may, therefore , play an important role in the management of vascular proliferative disord ers. (C) 2001, Elsevier Science Inc.