Fig. 4: FoxO3a overexpression promotes AAA formation in Ang II-infused C57BL/6J mice.
From: Loss of FoxO3a prevents aortic aneurysm formation through maintenance of VSMC homeostasis
Male C57BL/6J mice were treated with saline or AAV- FoxO3a or AAV-GFP, followed by infusion with saline or Ang II for 28 days. Data are presented as the mean ± SE; n = 10 in the AAV- FoxO3a group (mice treated with saline), n = 30 in the AAV-FoxO3a or AAV-GFP group (mice treated with Ang II). A Representative photographs showing AAAs in 3 groups of Ang II-treated C57BL/6J mice. B Statistical analysis of the AAA incidence. C Hematoxylin-eosin staining and maximal diameter of the abdominal region in C57BL/6J mice (n = 5). D Representative staining with elastin in the abdominal aortas in 3 groups of C57BL/6J mice. Photographs show the location where the most severe elastin degradation occurred (scale bars = 50 µm; magnified photographs, n = 15). E and F Representative staining of the SM22α, α-SMA and OPN proteins (scale bars, 50 µm, n = 5). G and H WBs and densitometric analysis of aortic MMP2, α-SMA and SM22α in C57BL/6J mice (n = 6). Data are presented as the mean ± SE. *p < 0.05, **p < 0.01.
