The Extracellular Matrix Signature in Vein Graft Disease

摘要

Background: Vein graft disease is a major and yet unsolved problem in cardiac revascularization surgery. Although accumulation of extracellular matrix is characteristic for vein graft disease, detailed analysis of the fibrotic material is lacking. Because alterations of collagen crosslinks are typical for organ fibrosis, we performed a comprehensive analysis of collagen and elastin in vein graft disease.