The Role of Long Non-Coding RNAs in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Phenotype and the Pathogenesis of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Aneurysms

Aneurysms are localized dilations of blood vessels, which can expand to 50% of the original diameter. They are more common in cardiovascular and cerebrovascular vessels. Rupture is one of the most dangerous complications. The pathophysiology of aneurysms is complex and diverse, often associated with progressive vessel wall dysfunction resulting from vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) death and abnormal extracellular matrix synthesis and degradation. Multiple studies have shown that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play a significant role in the progression of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Therefore, it is necessary to find and summarize them. LncRNAs control gene expression and disease progression by regulating target mRNA or miRNA, and are biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of aneurysmal cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. This review explores the role, mechanism and clinical value of lncRNAs in aneurysms, providing new insights for a deeper understanding of the pathogenesis of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular aneurysms.