Regression of abdominal aortic aneurysms by pharmacological inhibition of c-Jun N-terminal kinase

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is characterized by chronic inflammation and proteolytic degradation of the extracellular matrix (ECM). Recently, we identified c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) as a key molecule in the pathogenesis of AAA. Human AAA tissue showed a high level of active JNK. In in vitro studies, JNK not only activated the expression of ECM-degrading enzymes, but also suppressed the expression of enzymes for ECM biosynthesis. Finally, pharmacological inhibition of JNK not only prevented the development of AAA but also caused the regression of established AAA in mouse models. Thus, pharmacological inhibition of JNK may provide a novel therapeutic option for treatment of human AAA.

abdominal aortic aneurysm

c-Jun N-terminal kinase

pharmacological therapy