title: Matrix metalloproteinases and tissue valve degeneration.
abstract: Bioprosthetic heart valves have been used as replacements for diseased heart valves for over 30 years. More than 50% of bioprosthetic valves fail within 15 years because of structural deterioration. The role of proteolytic degradation, with particular reference to the matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in the degeneration of aortic bioprostheses, is appraised in this minireview. It is clear that both the intrinsic and host-derived proteolytic activities present in heart-valve bioprostheses may combine with mechanical stress to bring about valve failure.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Cape Heart Centre, University of Cape Town Medical School, Cape Town, South Africa.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bracher
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Simionescu
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Simionescu
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Davies
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Human
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Zilla
mesh_terms: D001705:Bioprosthesis; D005404:Fixatives / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005976:Glutaral / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006350:Heart Valve Prosthesis; D006801:Humans; D061965:Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitors; D020782:Matrix Metalloproteinases / Q000378:metabolism*; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D005404:Fixatives; D061965:Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitors; D020782:Matrix Metalloproteinases; D005976:Glutaral