SPARC modulates macrophage-like phenotype transformation in VSMCs and triggers a vicious cycle (opens in new tab)

Intracranial aneurysms (IAs) are characterized by abnormal cerebral artery dilations and pose significant risks due to their potential for rupture, leading to subarachnoid hemorrhage. Although inflammation and vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) phenotypic transformations are implicated in IA pathogenesis, the role of secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC) in these processes remains poorly understood. This study explored the role of SPARC in inducing macrophage-like phenotypic tr...