Fig. 2

Pathological consequences of altered mechanical stretch. Pathological stretch could change the hemodynamic properties of blood flow in the vascular system. The excessive strain causes cell deformation and the endothelial cell response activates biochemical signaling. Vascular adaptation through remodeling results in ECM synthesis and degradation, proliferation and apoptosis to maintain the vascular physiological state. However, persistent pathological mechanical stretch due to hypertension triggers endothelial dysfunction, pro-inflammatory responses, neointima formation, structural alteration, ROS formation and arterial stiffening. These result in the formation of vascular anomalies such as atherosclerosis, restenosis and aneurysms