Transplant arteriosclerosis and in-stent restenosis. Experimental studies on pathomechanisms and therapeutic intervention

PhD ceremony: Ms. G. Onuta, 14.45 uur, Doopsgezinde kerk, Oude Boteringestraat 33, Groningen

Dissertation: Transplant arteriosclerosis and in-stent restenosis. Experimental studies on pathomechanisms and therapeutic intervention

Promotor(s): prof. J.L. Hillebrands, prof. F.G.M. Kroese

Faculty: Medical Sciences

The aim of the studies was to investigate the various cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the narrowing of the blood vessels in transplanted organs (transplant arteriosclerosis [TA]) and after stenting (in-stent restenosis [ISR]), using both in vivo and in vitro preclinical models. TA and ISR represent two major macrovascular occlusive diseases characterized by endothelial cell damage, inflammation and neointima (NI) formation. At present there are no efficacious therapeutic measure to control their onset and evolution. Focus of this thesis was therefore to obtain more insight on post-injury endothelium regeneration, the origin of NI smooth muscle cells (SMCs) and factors responsible for SMC recruitment/proliferation in TA and ISR.