Factors regulating the change of vascular smooth muscle cells in cardiovascular diseases: A mini review

Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) are responsible for blood vessel relaxation contraction and hemodynamics. Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a major cause of human death worldwide, and the pathophysiological changes to the VSMCs such as apoptosis, hypertrophy, and migration contribute to these diseases. Herein, we recapitulated the importance of molecular factors relevant to the regulation of VSMCs and how VSMCs are involved in these pathophysiological changes. This is significant to the development of therapeutic treatments for various CVDs. A literature search was conducted to identify studies assessing the regulating factors of VSMCs using the Medline and PubMed databases from inception to February 1, 2019. Search terms were applied either as single or in combination. In the present review, we will discuss some of the influential factors that may affect and regulate the changes of VSMCs in CVDs.