Interferon stimulated gene 15 pathway is a novel mediator of endothelial dysfunction and aneurysms development in angiotensin II infused mice through increased oxidative stress.

Recent evidence from randomized clinical trials demonstrate the effectiveness of specific anti-inflammatory treatments in cardiovascular prevention. In this study we have identified a new inflammatory mediator involved in vascular damage in experimental and human hypertension and aneurysms. We found that interferon stimulated gene 15 (ISG15) is increased at the vascular level in animal models of hypertension and aneurysms. More importantly, ISG15 correlates with human hypertension, vascular remodeling, and aneurysms presence. Underlying mechanisms responsible for vascular damage induced by ISG15 include oxidative and inflammation. Our results further support the role of inflammation in vascular damage in different cardiovascular pathologies.