Indeed, VEGF did not significantly improve the expression of CD31 and CD146 angiogenic markers in AAA-MSCs (Fig. 6a); moreover, AAA-MSC neo-vessels post Matrigel dissociation showed higher levels of CD31 and α-SMA transcription, whereas CD146 underwent a significant decrease both at the mRNA and protein levels (Fig. 6b, c). This evidence concerns the gene MCAM and triple-A syndrome.