摘要 : Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) are generally characterized by the widespread destruction of elastic lamellae in the media and a chronic inflammatory response in the vascular wall [1-3]. The pathophysiology of AAAs includes aort... 展开 Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) are generally characterized by the widespread destruction of elastic lamellae in the media and a chronic inflammatory response in the vascular wall [1-3]. The pathophysiology of AAAs includes aortic atherosclerosis, chronic inflammation within the outer aortic wall, and an imbalance between the production and degradation of structural extracellular matrix proteins [1-3]. The destruction of elastin is considered to be one of the major pathogenetic mechanisms of AAAs. Elastic fibers normally maintain the structure of the vascular wall against hemodynamic stress. However, enzymatic degradation may induce remodeling of the extracellular matrix, which would result in aneurysmal development and finally rupture. 收起