Gene Expression in Acute Aortic Dissection
Author Information
Author(s): Weis-Müller Barbara Theresia, Modlich Olga, Drobinskaya Irina, Unay Derya, Huber Rita, Bojar Hans, Schipke Jochen D, Feindt Peter, Gams Emmeran, Müller Wolfram, Goecke Timm, Sandmann Wilhelm
Primary Institution: Heinrich-Heine-University of Düsseldorf
Hypothesis
Does an unknown connective tissue disorder cause a predisposition for aortic dissection?
Conclusion
The study shows that genes important for the integrity of the aortic wall are down-regulated in dissection, while inflammatory response genes are up-regulated.
Supporting Evidence
- 19.1% to 23.5% of genes were expressed in aortic tissue specimens.
- 15.7% to 28.9% of genes were differently expressed between dissected and control aorta.
- Several genes related to extracellular matrix components were down-regulated in aortic dissection.
Takeaway
This study looked at the genes in the aorta of patients with a serious condition called aortic dissection and found that some important genes were not working properly.
Methodology
The study compared gene expression profiles from aortic samples of patients with acute Stanford A dissection and normal control aorta using microarray technology and confirmed findings with RT-PCR.
Limitations
The study had a small sample size and focused only on specific gene expressions without exploring all potential factors.
Participant Demographics
8 patients with acute Stanford type A aortic dissection (6 men, 2 women; ages 40-63) and 8 multi-organ donors (3 men, 5 women; ages 23-65).
Statistical Information
P-Value
<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website