Chemotactic index (CI) of RAW 264.7 cells upon stimulation with aortic extracts from individuals with MFS ().

<p><b>(A)</b> RAW 264.7 cells were preincubated with 1 mmol/L lactose or glucose for one hour at 37°C prior to exposure to aortic extracts. There was a statistically significant inhibition of chemotaxis. <b>(B)</b> RAW 264.7 cells were preincubated with 0.1 mmol/L VGVAPG hexapeptide for 1 hour incubation at 37°C before the chemotaxis assays were started. There was a statistically significant inhibition of the chemotactic response after VGVAPG pretreatment. <b>(C)</b> Aortic extracts were preincubated with BA4 or non-specific IgG for 30 minutes at room temperature prior to chemotaxis assays. There was a statistically significant inhibition of the chemotactic response by BA4 pretreatment. Data are representative of three independent experiments. * 0.05, **0.01.</p

BA4 reactivity (g/mg) versus chemotactic index (CI) of human aortic extracts, with calculated Pearson correlation coefficient (r) and value.

<p>BA4 reactivity (g/mg) versus chemotactic index (CI) of human aortic extracts, with calculated Pearson correlation coefficient (r) and value.</p

Characteristics of the patients included in this study.

<p>MFS: Marfan syndrome; TAA: isolated thoracic aortic aneurysm; m: male, f: female; The column <i>Description</i> provides details of the indications for aortic surgery and information about other relevant medical conditions, and treatment with beta blockers.</p

BA4 reactivity and chemotactic activity of human aortic extracts.

<p><b>(A)</b> BA4 reactivity was measured by competitive ELISA in aortic extracts from patients with MFS (n = 6), isolated TAA (n = 8) and controls (n = 11). A statistically significant increase in BA4 reactivity as compared to control samples was observed for the samples from individuals with MFS and isolated TAA. <b>(B)</b> Chemotactic activity of the same extracts was measured by a Boyden chamber. A statistically significant increase in chemotactic activity as compared to control samples was observed for the samples from individuals with MFS and isolated TAA. Red lines indicate the median levels of BA4 reactivity or chemotactic index (CI). Data are representative of three independent experiments. * 0.05, **0.01.</p