Basal and Oxidative Stress–Induced Expression of Metallothionein Is Decreased in Ascending Aortic Aneurysms of Bicuspid Aortic Valve Patients

Abstract

These results demonstrate dysregulated metallothionein expression in ascending aortic smooth muscle cells of BAV patients that may contribute to an inadequate response to oxidative stress and provoke aneurysm formation. We hypothesize that metallothionein plays a pivotal role in the response of ascending aortic smooth muscle cells to oxidative stress cues normally involved in the maintenance of the extracellular matrix, including the regulation of matrix metalloproteinase expression.