The Perlecan Fragment LG3 Is a Novel Regulator of Obliterative Remodeling Associated With Allograft Vascular Rejection

Rationale:Endothelial apoptosis is increased in association with acute and chronic vascular rejection (VR) of solid allografts. Apoptotic endothelial cells (EC) release LG3, a C-terminal fragment of perlecan of potential importance in vascular remodeling and neointima formation. Objective:Our 2 goals were to determine whether circulating levels of LG3 are increased in association with acute VR of renal allografts and to evaluate the impact of LG3 on vascular remodeling. Methods and Results:We conducted a case-control study to compare serum LG3 levels in human renal transplant patients with acute VR, tubulo-interstitial rejection (ATIR) and normal graft function. Aorta transplantation between fully MHC-mismatched mice in association with intravenous LG3 injection was used to characterize the impact of LG3 on vascular remodeling. Scratch assays evaluated the promigratory activity of LG3 on vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) in vitro. Serum LG3 levels were significantly elevated in human renal transplant pa...