Abstract
Aortic aneurysms often lead to death due to aortic wall dissections and ruptures, which are caused by weakness and fragmentation in the elastin-composed elastic fibers of the extracellular matrix; because of a genetic mutation affecting connective tissue structure, these aneurysms are especially prevalent in individuals with Marfan syndrome. This study hypothesized that elastic fiber fragmentation in the descending aortic wall is greater for mgR/mgR model Marfan syndrome mice than wild type mice. It also aimed to observe differences in fragmentation among mouse ages and sexes. The results showed no increase in fragmentation for mgR/mgR mice and no changes in fragmentation among ages or sexes. Each group with varying age, sex, and genotype was represented by one sample in the study, therefore more research must be conducted to thoroughly assess the hypothesis.
Document Type
Final Report
Class Name
Mechanical Engineering and Material Sciences Independent Study
Date of Submission
5-9-2024
Recommended Citation
Sumra, Maya, "Elastic Fiber Fragmentation in the Descending Aortic Wall of mgR/mgR Model Marfan Syndrome Mice" (2024). Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science Independent Study. 266.
https://openscholarship.wustl.edu/mems500/266