title: Matrix metalloproteinases and atherosclerotic plaque instability.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  There is growing interest in the role of matrix metalloproteinases in atherosclerosis. Excessive tissue remodelling and increased matrix metalloproteinase activity have been demonstrated during atherosclerotic plaque disruption, a frequent predeterminant of ischaemic cardiac events and stroke. These enzymes represent a potential target for therapeutic intervention to modify vascular pathology.
  
  
  METHODS
  The core of this review is derived from a Medline database literature search.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There is convincing evidence of increased matrix metalloproteinase activity during acute plaque disruption. Evidence for an imbalance promoting increased matrix degradation is less well documented. However, studies of matrix metalloproteinase inhibition in models of vascular disease suggest a potential therapeutic benefit.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In vivo studies of matrix metalloproteinase inhibition are required to study the potential for reversal or deceleration of the excessive tissue remodelling that accompanies acute plaque disruption.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Leicester University, Robert Kilpatrick Clinical Sciences Building, Leicester Royal Infirmary, PO Box 65, Leicester LE2 7LX, UK. ianloftus@aol.com
authors.forename: Ian M
authors.initials: IM
authors.lastname: Loftus
authors.forename: A R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Naylor
authors.forename: P R F
authors.initials: PR
authors.lastname: Bell
authors.forename: M M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Thompson
mesh_terms: D001161:Arteriosclerosis / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000473:pathology; D015536:Down-Regulation; D006801:Humans; D008666:Metalloendopeptidases / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D013754:Tetracyclines / Q000627:therapeutic use; D019714:Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinases / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D013754:Tetracyclines; D019714:Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinases; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta; D008666:Metalloendopeptidases