Role of human smooth muscle cell progenitors in atherosclerotic plaque development and composition

Abstract

We demonstrate that SPCs limit plaque development and promote changes in plaque composition towards a stable phenotype in mice. Our finding in patients suggests that reduced peripheral blood-derived SPC levels might represent a mechanism contributing to plaque destabilization.

Smooth-muscle progenitor cells isolated from patients with moyamoya disease: novel experimental cell model

“…The SPCs were characterized by distinctive expression of the SMC markers and could be differentiated from the EPCs and fibroblasts by showing little expression of CD31 and FSP-1, respectively. 31,34,36,39 We discovered distinct characteristics of the progenitor cells during expansion. First, the absence of VEGF in the media and the addition of PDGF-BB seemed to facilitate differentiation into SPCs in patients with MMD.…”

“…We postulate that SPCs in patients with MMD seem to have a role in constituting the intimal lesion. 39 However, this in vitro observation needs to be ascertained in some in vivo situations.…”

Endothelial and Vascular Smooth Cell Dysfunctions: A Comprehensive Appraisal

“…In particular, IFNreleased by activated macrophages induces collagen synthesis by VSMCs, which is important for the stabilization of the fibrous cap (Shah et al, 1995). Moreover, injection of smooth muscle progenitor cells in a mouse model of advanced atherosclerosis reduced the progression of early atherosclerotic plaques (Zoll et al, 2008), confirming the potential benefit of VSMCs at advanced stages of atherosclerosis. Therefore, VSMCs could be beneficial in atherogenesis as a factor promoting plaque stability and can thus be considered a "friend" in vascular disease (van Oostrom et al, 2009).…”

Stem/Progenitor Cells, Atherosclerosis and Cardiovascular Regeneration

“…Local inhibition of smooth muscle progenitor cells adhesion after arterial injury was reported to attenuate neointimal progression [42]. At the same time, recruitment of smooth muscle progenitor cells in chronic advanced atherosclerosis was shown to aid in stable plaque maintenance [43].…”

“…At the same time, it was shown, that Sca+lin-progenitor cells in allograft vessels have migrated from adventitia to the neointima, were they maturated into smooth muscle cells [78]. Furthermore, it was reported, that smooth muscle cells in advanced atherosclerosis have originated from the vessel wall and healing after plaque rupture mainly involved local, but not circulating cells [43].…”