Abstract
The data presented in this chapter show the importance of TGF-beta1 signaling in atherosclerosis in both animals and humans. Despite a few papers showing participation of TGF-beta1 in early atherosclerosis, most of the papers demonstrate atheroprotective effects of TGF-beta1 signaling.
Activation of TGF-beta1 signaling pathway results in anti-inflammatory effects, including decreased expression of cell adhesion molecules (with participation of Smad2 and endoglin), inhibition of inflammation in macrophages, T-cells (with participation of Smad3), increased expression of nitric oxide synthase (with participation of endoglin and Smad2), smooth muscle cells production of collagen and plaques stabilization (with participation of endoglin and Smad2/3). Moreover, reduction of cholesterol levels and/or statin treatment significantly enhances atheroprotective effects of TGF-beta1 signaling.