A single nucleotide polymorphism of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1B (p27Kip1) associated with human vein graft failure affects growth of human venous adventitial cells but not smooth muscle cells

Approximately 400,000 vein grafts are used each year to bypass coronary and peripheral arterial occlusive disease, and ∼30% of the grafts fail in the first year because of intimal hyperplasia and pathologic remodeling. This high rate of failure has not changed in 40 years. Animal models of vein grafts have put the spotlight on the smooth muscle cells of the inner vein wall, but animal models may not accurately reflect this human disease. The current study implicates the adventitial cells of the outer wall in graft failure.