The Contribution of Vascular Proteoglycans to Atherothrombosis: Clinical Implications

• Published in: International journal of molecular sciences Vol. 24; no. 14; p. 11854
• Main Authors: Drysdale, Amelia, Unsworth, Amanda J, White, Stephen J, Jones, Sarah
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Switzerland MDPI AG 01.07.2023; MDPI
• Subjects: Apoptosis; Atherosclerosis; Blood clot; Blood clots; Blood platelets; Clopidogrel; Collagen; Development and progression; Endothelium; Fibrinolytic Agents - therapeutic use; Glycoproteins; Growth factors; Humans; Leukocytes; Lipids; Morphology; myocardial infarction; plaque erosion; plaque rupture; Plaque, Atherosclerotic - metabolism; platelet; Proteins; proteoglycan; Proteoglycans - metabolism; Review; Smooth muscle; Thrombosis; Ticagrelor; atherosclerosis; thrombosis; plaque erosion; myocardial infarction; plaque rupture; platelet; extracellular matrix; proteoglycan
• ISSN: 1422-0067; 1661-6596; 1422-0067
• DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411854

The vascular extracellular matrix (ECM) produced by endothelial and smooth muscle cells is composed of collagens and glycoproteins and plays an integral role in regulating the structure and function of the vascular wall. Alteration in the expression of these proteins is associated with endothelial dysfunction and has been implicated in the development and progression of atherosclerosis. The ECM composition of atherosclerotic plaques varies depending on plaque phenotype and vulnerability, with distinct differences observed between ruptured and erodes plaques. Moreover, the thrombi on the exposed ECM are diverse in structure and composition, suggesting that the best antithrombotic approach may differ depending on plaque phenotype. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the role of proteoglycans in atherogenesis and thrombosis. It discusses the differential expression of the proteoglycans in different plaque phenotypes and the potential impact on platelet function and thrombosis. Finally, the review highlights the importance of this concept in developing a targeted approach to antithrombotic treatments to improve clinical outcomes in cardiovascular disease.