CD44 Promotes Inflammation and Extracellular Matrix Production During Arteriovenous Fistula Maturation

摘要

ObjectiveArteriovenous fistulae (AVF) remain the optimal conduit for hemodialysis access but continue to demonstrate poor patency and poor rates of maturation. We hypothesized that CD44, a widely expressed cellular adhesion molecule that serves as a major receptor for extracellular matrix (ECM) components, promotes wall thickening and ECM deposition during AVF maturation.