The fate and role of the pericytes in myocardial diseases

Nikolaos G. Frangogiannis

doi:10.1111/eci.14204

journal article Apr 08, 2024

The fate and role of the pericytes in myocardial diseases

Nikolaos G. Frangogiannis

European Journal of Clinical Investigation Vol. 54 No. 8 · Wiley

View at Publisher Save 10.1111/eci.14204

Abstract

AbstractThe adult mammalian heart contains a large population of pericytes that play important roles in homeostasis and disease. In the normal heart, pericytes regulate microvascular permeability and flow. Myocardial diseases are associated with marked alterations in pericyte phenotype and function. This review manuscript discusses the role of pericytes in cardiac homeostasis and disease. Following myocardial infarction (MI), cardiac pericytes participate in all phases of cardiac repair. During the inflammatory phase, pericytes may secrete cytokines and chemokines and may regulate leukocyte trafficking, through formation of intercellular gaps that serve as exit points for inflammatory cells. Moreover, pericyte contraction induces microvascular constriction, contributing to the pathogenesis of ‘no‐reflow’ in ischemia and reperfusion. During the proliferative phase, pericytes are activated by growth factors, such as transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β and contribute to fibrosis, predominantly through secretion of fibrogenic mediators. A fraction of pericytes acquires fibroblast identity but contributes only to a small percentage of infarct fibroblasts and myofibroblasts. As the scar matures, pericytes form a coat around infarct neovessels, promoting stabilization of the vasculature. Pericytes may also be involved in the pathogenesis of chronic heart failure, by regulating inflammation, fibrosis, angiogenesis and myocardial perfusion. Pericytes are also important targets of viral infections (such as SARS‐CoV2) and may be implicated in the pathogenesis of cardiac complications of COVID19. Considering their role in myocardial inflammation, fibrosis and angiogenesis, pericytes may be promising therapeutic targets in myocardial disease.

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10

Citations

191

References

Details

Published: Apr 08, 2024
Vol/Issue: 54(8)
License: View

Authors

N

Nikolaos G. Frangogiannis

Department of Medicine (Cardiology), The Wilf Family Cardiovascular Research Institute Albert Einstein College of Medicine Bronx New York USA

Funding

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Award: R01 HL76246

Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs Award: PR211352

Cite This Article

Nikolaos G. Frangogiannis (2024). The fate and role of the pericytes in myocardial diseases. European Journal of Clinical Investigation, 54(8). https://doi.org/10.1111/eci.14204

The fate and role of the pericytes in myocardial diseases

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