Cigarette Smoke Reduces Aorta’s Ability to Store Elastic Energy, Impairs Blood Vessel Function in Mice

Article title: Structural and functional remodeling of the female Apoe−/− mouse aorta due to chronic cigarette smoke exposure

Authors: Yasmeen M. Farra, Jacqueline Matz, Bhama Ramkhelawon, Jessica M. Oakes, Chiara Bellini

From the authors: “Our data indicated that exposure to cigarette smoke impairs vascular function by reducing the ability of the aorta to store elastic energy and by decreasing aortic distensibility. Combined with a more vulnerable atherosclerotic phenotype, these findings reveal the biomechanical mechanisms that support the development of cardiovascular disease due to cigarette smoking.” 

This study is highlighted as one of June’s “best of the best” as part of the American Physiological Society's APSselect program.