Blood vessel dysfunction in chronic diseases is worsened by the way specialised cells surround small blood vessels, latest evidence has highlighted.
Otherwise known as perivascular cells, the specialised cells sense changes in nearby tissues and send signals that disrupt blood vessel function, therefore making disease progression worse.
A new study from the Oregon Health & Science University has found that perivascular cells contribute to blood vessel dysfunction in cancer, fibrosis and type 2 diabetes.
Previously, the researchers developed a groundbreaking new method to 3D print blood vessels in the lab.
- Blood sugar levels spike more from pasta and pizza in America than in Italy
- Blood sugar levels reduced by eating breakfast later
- Lowering systolic blood pressure can combat heart problems among people with type 2 diabetes
They are now looking to engineer blood vessels that better mimic those in the human body to enable them to study more complex diseases.
Senior author Dr Luiz Bertassoni said: “Historically, endothelial cells lining blood vessels have been considered the main contributors of vascular disease.
“Our findings represent a paradigm shift, showing how perivascular cells, instead, act as important sentinels.”
He added: “They detect changes in tissues and coordinating vascular responses. This opens the door to entirely new treatment strategies.”
Fellow author Dr Cristiane Miranda Franca said: “The applications of this research are wide. We’ve shown for the first time how perivascular cells trigger inflammation and signal blood vessel changes when surrounding tissues are altered.”
During the study, the team of researchers replicated chronic conditions like tissue stiffening and scarring.
- New wearable ultrasound patch for continuous blood pressure monitoring developed
- Eating after 5pm can disrupt blood sugar control
- Lower blood pressure associated with 5 minutes of extra exercise a day
They found that perivascular cells trigger blood vessel leakage and distortion, which can worsen inflammation and disease.
Dr Franca said: “When we removed perivascular cells, blood vessels essentially failed to respond to tissue changes.”
Dr Bertassoni concluded: “If we intervene early, we might prevent precancerous lesions from advancing to full-blown cancer. This could revolutionise how we approach cancer prevention and treatment.”
Read the study in the journal Science Advances.
