Increased Collagen Deposition and Elevated Expression of Connective Tissue Growth Factor in Human Thoracic Aortic Dissection

Abstract

TAD patients exhibited significantly increased expression of aortic collagen types I and III as well as CTGF, which is likely to be responsible for the compromised aortic distensibility and systemic compliance. Because CTGF can increase collagen expression, CTGF may be a new target molecule in the pathogenesis and progression of TAD.