Background Aortic aneurysms (AA) are pathological dilations of the aorta, associated with
an overall mortality rate up to 90% in case of rupture. In addition to dilation, the aortic layers …

Elastic fibers are major components of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in the aorta and
support a life-long cycling of stretch and recoil. Elastic fibers are formed from mid-gestation …

Background Mechanical homeostasis promotes proper aortic structure and function.
Pathological conditions may arise, in part, from compromised or lost homeostasis. There is …

Arterial tortuosity manifests in many conditions, including hypertension, genetic mutations
predisposing to thoracic aortopathy, and vascular aging. Despite evidence that tortuosity …

Objective—Transforming growth factor-beta is a pleiotropic cytokine having diverse roles in
vascular morphogenesis, homeostasis, and pathogenesis. Altered activity of and signaling …

The microstructure of arteries, consisting, in particular, of collagen, elastin, and vascular
smooth muscle cells, plays a very significant role in their biomechanical response during a …

Pelvic organ prolapse is characterized as the descent of the pelvic organs into the vaginal
canal. In the USA, there is a 12% lifetime risk for requiring surgical intervention. Although …

Myriad risk factors–including uncontrolled hypertension, aging, and diverse genetic
mutations–contribute to the development and enlargement of thoracic aortic aneurysms …

Smooth muscle cells contribute to the mechanical function of various soft tissues, however,
their contribution to the viscoelastic response when subjected to multiaxial loading remains …

The development of the vascular system was a critical step in the evolution of species. It
allowed organisms to meet the growing metabolic demands and opened the door for the …