Physiopatology of the vascular endothelium

We are studying the physiopathology of the vascular wall. More specifically, we are interested in the regulatory function of the endothelium on the vascular smooth muscle and the structure of the arterial wall. The endothelium is a monolayer of cells lining the lumen of the vessels.

Using a cloning technique, we can isolate both endothelial and smooth muscle cells from small fragments of arteries. We study both vascular reactivity using isolated vessels, and the secretory function of cultured cells.

We recently focused our work on studying the impact of atherosclerosis on human endothelial function and in mouse models of the human pathology. Endothelial cells are indeed the primary targets of atherosclerosis leading to the development of the fatty streak. We have observed that chronological aging and biological aging dissociate in the presence of risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. These risk factors increase the damage to the endothelium and lead to premature senescence by promoting oxidative stress and inflammation.

In collaboration with researchers from the Montreal Heart Institute, Canada and from other countries we hope to further characterize the levels of alterations, which could lead to the development of therapeutic targets for the treatment of vascular diseases developing with aging.

Recent publications

1. Krummen S, Falck JR, Thorin E (2005). Two distinct pathways account for EDHF-dependent dilation in the gracilis artery of hypercholesterolemic mice. Br. J. Pharmacol. In press.
2. Voghel G, Thorin-Trescases N, Perrault LP, Thorin E (2004). Premature Senescence of the Vascular Endothelium in Patients with Cardiovascular Risk Factors. Circulation. 110(17), 368