TGF-β1 in Vascular Wall Pathology: Unraveling Chronic Venous Insufficiency Pathophysiology

Chronic venous insufficiency and varicose veins occur commonly in affluent countries and are a socioeconomic burden. However, there remains a relative lack of knowledge about venous pathophysiology. Various theories have been suggested, yet the molecular sequence of events is poorly understood. Tran...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:International journal of molecular sciences 2017-11, Vol.18 (12), p.2534
Main Authors: Serralheiro, Pedro, Soares, Andreia, Costa Almeida, Carlos M, Verde, Ignacio
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
Cancer
Cardiovascular diseases
chronic venous insufficiency
Embryogenesis
Fibrosis
Growth factors
Humans
inflammation
Pathology
Review
Shedding
Signal Transduction
Structure-function relationships
TGF-β1
Transforming Growth Factor beta1 - metabolism
Transforming growth factor-b
Transforming growth factor-b1
Varicose veins
Varicose Veins - etiology
Varicose Veins - metabolism
Varicose Veins - pathology
Veins - metabolism
Veins - pathology
Venous Insufficiency - etiology
Venous Insufficiency - metabolism
Venous Insufficiency - pathology
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Summary:Chronic venous insufficiency and varicose veins occur commonly in affluent countries and are a socioeconomic burden. However, there remains a relative lack of knowledge about venous pathophysiology. Various theories have been suggested, yet the molecular sequence of events is poorly understood. Transforming growth factor-beta one (TGF-β1) is a highly complex polypeptide with multifunctional properties that has an active role during embryonic development, in adult organ physiology and in the pathophysiology of major diseases, including cancer and various autoimmune, fibrotic and cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, an emphasis on understanding its signaling pathways (and possible disruptions) will be an essential requirement for a better comprehension and management of specific diseases. This review aims at shedding more light on venous pathophysiology by describing the TGF-β1 structure, function, activation and signaling, and providing an overview of how this growth factor and disturbances in its signaling pathway may contribute to specific pathological processes concerning the vessel wall which, in turn, may have a role in chronic venous insufficiency.
ISSN:1422-0067
1661-6596
1422-0067
DOI:10.3390/ijms18122534