Metalloproteinases and Vulnerable Atherosclerotic Plaques
2007; Elsevier BV; Volume: 17; Issue: 8 Linguagem: Inglês
10.1016/j.tcm.2007.09.001
ISSN1873-2615
Autores Tópico(s)Coronary Interventions and Diagnostics
ResumoPlaque rupture is the main cause of myocardial infarctions and strokes. Ruptured plaques have thin, highly inflamed, and collagen-poor fibrous caps that contain elevated levels of proteases, including metalloproteinases (MMPs), which might weaken plaque caps and promote rupture. On the other hand, MMPs facilitate migration and proliferation vascular smooth muscle cells, which should promote fibrous cap stability. Given the dual effects of MMPs, therapies should selectively target harmful MMPs or the processes that cause MMP activity to rise to destructive levels.
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