FIGURE 9.

Schematic diagram of the function of OPN-N in the AngII-induced AAA. OPN-N as a pivotal pro-inflammatory cytokine induces pyroptosis and inflammation through the activation of its NF-κB pathway aggravates AAA formation. OPN-N influences aneurysm formation in multiple ways, such as increasing the expression of TNF-α, IL-6, and MCP-1 and enhancing the production of MMP2 and MMP9, which further activates the elastin degrade and increases compensatory collagen deposition. Abbreviations: AAA, abdominal aortic aneurysm; OPN-N, osteopontin N-terminal fragment.