Thromb Haemost 2008; 100(06): 984-991
DOI: 10.1160/TH08-08-0524
Theme Issue Article
Schattauer GmbH

The ‘PAI-1 paradox’ in vascular remodelling

Isabel Diebold*
1   Experimentelle Kinderkardiologie, Deutsches Herzzentrum München an der Technischen Universität München, Munich, Germany
,
Damir Kraicun*
1   Experimentelle Kinderkardiologie, Deutsches Herzzentrum München an der Technischen Universität München, Munich, Germany
,
Steve Bonello
1   Experimentelle Kinderkardiologie, Deutsches Herzzentrum München an der Technischen Universität München, Munich, Germany
,
Agnes Görlach
1   Experimentelle Kinderkardiologie, Deutsches Herzzentrum München an der Technischen Universität München, Munich, Germany
› Institutsangaben

Financial support: This study was supported by the Deutsche Forschungsgesellschaft (grant DFG – GO 709/4–4), the 6th European framework program (EUROXY) and Fondation Leducq.
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Publikationsverlauf

Received: 14. August 2008

Accepted after minor revision: 01. Oktober 2008

Publikationsdatum:
23. November 2017 (online)

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Summary

Vascular remodelling isa complex phenomenon associated with restructuring of the vessel wall as a consequence of disruption of vascular homeostasis. Alterations of the vascular wall have been linked to a variety of cardiovascular disorders including atherosclerosis, vascular injury and pulmonary hypertension. Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) is a member of the serpin (serine proteinase inhibitor) family and acts as an important inhibitor of fibrinolysis by interfering with the plasminogen system. In addition to its anti-fibrinolytic effects, PAI-1 appears to modulate cellular responses linked to vascular remodelling. Since PAI-1 levels have been shown to be altered in various disorders associated with vascular remodelling of the systemic and pulmonary vascular bed, this serpin may playa pivotal role in the pathogenesis of these diseases.

* These authors contributed equally.