Vasa Vasorum Dynamics in Atherosclerosis Pathophysiology
Summary
The vasa vasorum constitute a delicate microvascular network within the adventitial layer of large arteries and veins, responsible for nourishing the outer vessel wall. In early atherogenesis, hypoxia within the thickening media stimulates expansion of these microvessels, a process driven by pro-angiogenic factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and hypoxia-inducible signalling. Newly formed vasa vasorum are often immature and hyperpermeable, permitting infiltration of lipids, inflammatory cells and erythrocytes into the intima. This continual loop of neovascularisation, inflammation and vessel leakage accelerates plaque growth and destabilises the fibrous cap. Intraplaque haemorrhage further amplifies local oxidative stress and matrix degradation, promoting rupture and acute cardiovascular events. Contemporary research emphasises the interplay between mechanical cues, endothelial barrier dysfunction and molecular regulators of vessel maturation, highlighting the vasa vasorum as both a mechanistic nexus and a promising therapeutic target for stabilising vulnerable plaques.
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Vasa Vasorum Dynamics in Atherosclerosis Pathophysiology publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in vasa vasorum dynamics in atherosclerosis pathophysiology across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Vasa vasorum: Network of microvessels in the adventitia that supply oxygen and nutrients to the outer vessel wall.
Angiogenesis: Formation of new blood vessels from existing vasculature, often driven by hypoxia and growth factors.
Neovascularization: Proliferation of new microvessels within atherosclerotic plaque, contributing to lesion growth and instability.
Endothelial permeability: Property of the endothelium that governs passage of fluids, lipids and cells across the vessel wall.
Intraplaque haemorrhage: Bleeding into the core of an atherosclerotic plaque, which exacerbates inflammation and accelerates destabilisation.
References
- Human atherosclerotic plaque transcriptomics reveals endothelial beta-2 spectrin as a potential regulator a leaky plaque microvasculature phenotype. Angiogenesis (2024).
- Endothelial Cell Markers Are Inferior to Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells Markers in Staining Vasa Vasorum and Are Non-Specific for Distinct Endothelial Cell Lineages in Clinical Samples. International Journal of Molecular Sciences (2023).
- Vasa Vasorum Angiogenesis: Key Player in the Initiation and Progression of Atherosclerosis and Potential Target for the Treatment of Cardiovascular Disease. Frontiers in Immunology (2018).
- Plaque angiogenesis and intraplaque hemorrhage in atherosclerosis. European Journal of Pharmacology (2017).
- The Role of the VEGF Family in Atherosclerosis Development and Its Potential as Treatment Targets. International Journal of Molecular Sciences (2022).
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