Preface

The purpose of this research supplement to the Journal of Vascular Surgery is not only to provide a review of both current basic scientific and clinical research topics but also to highlight the productivity of the authors, who in general are previous or current recipients of National Institutes of Health-sponsored K08 or K23 awards. The productivity of these investigators is detailed in the opening manuscript authored by Dr Robert Thompson, which highlights the success of the Lifeline–K08 and K23 programs.

The care of patients with peripheral vascular disease has undergone tremendous change during the past 5 years. This change has been driven by advances in technology and, to a lesser extent, in vascular biology. Recently, molecular and pharmacologic therapies have transitioned from bench to the bedside of the vascular patient. These therapies include transcription factor decoys, gene therapy, stem cell therapy, and pharmacologic approaches. None of these treatments has as yet had a significant impact on the clinical care of the vascular patient. However, as has been shown with the use of drug-eluting stents in the coronary vascular bed, it is only a matter of time before these therapies will also play an important role in the treatment of patients with vascular disease.

Central to the development of these therapies is an understanding of the basic mechanisms of vascular biology. In this research supplement to the Journal of Vascular Surgery, recognized vascular surgeon–scientists and clinical researchers review current areas of investigation central to the development of vascular therapies of the future. Each article reviews the area of research interest of its author. Topics covered in this supplement begin with a focus on the basic understanding of the signaling pathways and molecular events that regulate endothelial and smooth muscle cell biology.

This builds nicely on the next series of topics that define the mechanisms in the development of vascular pathologies such as atherosclerosis, restenosis, and pathologic vein graft remodeling. Next, the use of specific therapeutics to either prevent these problems, such as the role of nitric oxide in the prevention of restenosis, or to develop completely novel therapies, such as therapeutic angiogenesis are also detailed.

Following these basic science-oriented topics, a series of more translational topics are reviewed. These are particularly focused on improving surgical revascularization either through the development of engineered vascular grafts, molecular strategies to prevent pathologic vein graft remodeling, or novel thromboresistent materials.

The last several articles focus on clinical research. These include outcomes assessment of aneurysmal and lower extremity occlusive disease. To wrap up this supplement, Dr Robert Hobson has provided an expert review of the importance of randomized clinical trials.

Each article begins with a general review of the selected topic and then concludes with the respective author’s contribution to the field and future direction of investigation. This supplement will, we hope, serve as a valuable resource for vascular surgeons involved in research and also be a useful review of the current fundamental issues that need to be addressed to advance the care of patients with vascular disease. The editors would like to express their appreciation to the authors for participating in this project.