Transcriptional Suppression of CPI-17 Gene Expression in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells by Tumor Necrosis Factor, Krüppel-Like Factor 4, and Sp1 Is Associated with Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Vascular Hypocontractility, Hypotension, and Mortality

Abstract

Vasodilatory shock in sepsis is caused by the failure of the vasculature to respond to vasopressors, which results in hypotension, multiorgan failure, and ultimately patient death. Recently, it was reported that CPI-17, a key player in the regulation of smooth muscle contraction, was downregulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in mesenteric arteries concordant with vascular hypocontractilty.