Activation of metalloproteinase-2, loss of matrix scleroprotein content and coronary artery calcification.
Plaques from the coronary arteries of explanted hearts showed massive calcification (15-fold increase) with a loss of scleroproteins (-36%), an increase in the collagen to elastin ratio (twofold) and activation (+15%) of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2). Plaque-free portions of the coronary artery gave results similar to those obtained with the internal mammary artery. There was a significant correlation between plaque calcification and MMP-2 activation, suggesting that the two processes may be linked.
Kieffer
P
P
Laboratoire de Pharmacologie, EA 3116, UHP-Nancy, 5 rue Albert Lebrun, 54000 Nancy, France.
Giummelly
P
P
Schjoth
B
B
Carteaux
J P
JP
Villemot
J P
JP
Hornebeck
W
W
Atkinson
J
J
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002114:Calcinosis / Q000378:metabolism; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D003331:Coronary Vessels / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D004789:Enzyme Activation; D005109:Extracellular Matrix / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D020778:Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 / Q000378:metabolism*; D008875:Middle Aged; D012596:Scleroproteins / Q000378:metabolism*
D012596:Scleroproteins; D020778:Matrix Metalloproteinase 2