PMID: 16503874Mar 1, 2006Paper

Matrix metalloproteinases: a potential therapeutic target in atherosclerosis

Current Drug Targets. Cardiovascular & Haematological Disorders
M Rouis

Abstract

Mature human atherosclerotic plaques are frequently characterized by a lipid-rich core covered by a fibrous cap composed of fibrillar collagens, elastin, proteoglycans and smooth muscle cells (SMC). Most sudden deaths due to acute myocardial infarction are caused by rupture of coronary atheroma, leading to a prothrombotic response followed by rapid occlusion of the artery. The accumulation of macrophage-derived foam cells in vulnerable shoulder regions of atherosclerotic plaques correlates with increased local release of matrix-degrading metalloproteinases (MMPs) and weak fibrous cap tissue. These findings suggest a potential role of macrophage-derived MMPs in the weakening and ultimate rupture of plaque structures. Consequently, several studies have focussed on the hypothesis that inhibiting MMP activity would reduce plaque volume and prevent plaque rupture and therefore would be useful in the treatment of atherosclerosis. However, current synthetic MMP inhibitors are not very specific and clinical results have so far been inconclusive. The development of selective inhibitors and focal gene transfer approaches may be better suited for the treatment of atherosclerosis.

Citations

May 11, 2010·Journal of Molecular Medicine : Official Organ of the Gesellschaft Deutscher Naturforscher Und Ärzte·Karin DaubMeinrad Gawaz
Jul 7, 2012·Journal of Clinical Immunology·Wen-jia PengJing Wang
Dec 10, 2008·Endothelium : Journal of Endothelial Cell Research·Ines Martin-PaduraClaudio Napoli
Nov 16, 2007·Medicinal Research Reviews·R L TiwariM K Barthwal
May 20, 2014·Journal of the Neurological Sciences·Khouloud ChehaibiMohamed Naceur Slimane
Sep 19, 2016·Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews·Carolin ReimannMarcus R Makowski
Oct 30, 2016·Journal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases : the Official Journal of National Stroke Association·Xiao-Ya HuangZu-Sen Ye
Jun 15, 2007·Critical Reviews in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·Bénédicte CauweGhislain Opdenakker
Mar 12, 2009·The Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics·Karuppaiyah SelvendiranPeriannan Kuppusamy

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Related Concepts

Related Feeds

Atherosclerosis Disease Progression

Atherosclerosis is the buildup of plaque on artery walls, causing stenosis which can eventually lead to clinically apparent cardiovascular disease. Find the latest research on atherosclerosis disease progression here.