2018 Volume 71 Issue 6 Pages 275-281
Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a vascular disease characterized by gradual dilation of the abdominal aorta. It has been reported that AAA diameter is positively correlated with the risk of AAA rupture. However, the mechanisms of AAA onset and development are not fully understood. In addition, no current drug therapy can prevent the onset of aneurysm development or rupture. Recently, a number of different studies, including research emanating from our research group, have demonstrated that administration of fish oil can prevent the development and rupture of AAA. We have also previously found that stenosis of the vasa vasorum can cause onset of AAA and that abnormal appearance of adipocytes in the AAA wall can induce AAA rupture. In this review, we summarize the method of matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry imaging utilized in our study and then discuss the potential mechanism leading to the rupture of AAA and methods for its prevention and treatment.
