Activation of transforming growth factor-beta is inhibited in transgenic apolipoprotein(a) mice

Apolipoprotein(a) suppression of plasminogen activation inhibits the stimulation of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) in the aortic wall and serum of mice expressing human apolipoprotein(a) gene. The pathway of inhibition of the activation of TGF-beta, an autocrine inhibitor of human vascular smooth muscle cells (hVSMC), is vital for atherogenesis. These inhibitory effects are associated with VSMC activation.