Growth-related signaling as a target of toxic insult in vascular smooth muscle cells: Implications in atherogenesis

Aberrant smooth muscle cell proliferation is a focal point in the genesis and progression of atherosclerosis. To date, limited information is available on the molecular and cellular basis of the atherogenic response and the potential contribution of environmental chemicals to the overall process. This review highlights major findings in this laboratory on the mechanism(s) responsible for the acquisition of a proliferative phenotype in vascular smooth muscle cells following repeated cycles of treatment with allylamine and benzo(a)pyrene, known atherogenic chemicals. These agents share the ability to induce and promote aberrant proliferative behavior in smooth muscle cells, but appear to interfere with distinct molecular targets.