FIGURE 5.

Analysis of Tgf-β, Mmp-2, Mmp-9, Fbn-1, and Fbn-2 mRNA expression in the ascending aorta of hamsters grouped according to the strain and the valve morphology. Tgf-β expression (A) was significantly higher in animals of the affected strain irrespective of aortic valve morphology. Mmp-2 expression (B) was significantly reduced in animals with BAV from the affected strain. Mmp-9 expression (C) increased with age, although significantly only for T-TAV animals, but did not change significantly with the strain and the valve morphology. Fbn-1 expression (D) did not significantly change in animals of the affected strain, both with TAV and BAV. Fbn-2 expression (E) was higher in animals of the affected strain, although differences were significant only for animals with BAV. Fbn-1/Fbn-2 expression ratio (F) was over fivefold reduced in animals from the T strain, both with TAV and BAV. The expressions were normalized against the reference gene Cdkn1β. H, control strain; TBAV, bicuspid aortic valve from the affected strain; TTAV, tricuspid aortic valve from the affected strain. Only significant p-values are detailed.