Thesis title: OXIDATIVE STRESS AND AUTOPHAGY IN THORACIC AORTIC ANEURYSMS
Thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAA) pathogenesis and progression include many mechanisms. In this study, we investigated the role of autophagy, oxidative stress, and endothelial dysfunction in 36 TAA patients and 23 control patients. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed. TAA patients displayed higher oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction then control patients. Autophagy in the TAA group was reduced. The association of oxidative stress and autophagy with aortic disease supports the role of these processes in TAA. We demonstrate a putative role of Nox2 and autophagy dysregulation in human TAA. These findings could pinpoint novel treatment targets to prevent or limit TAA progression.