HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins) decrease MMP-3 and MMP-9 concentrations in abdominal aortic aneurysms.
BACKGROUND
An imbalance in matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their inhibitors (TIMPs) are implicated in AAA formation. 3-Hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme-A reductase inhibitors (statins) are known to reduce MMP levels. The aim of this study was to investigate the in vivo effect of statins on MMP levels in AAA.


METHODS
Infra-renal aortic biopsies were obtained from the anterior sac of 63 patients undergoing asymptomatic repair. Seventeen patients were taking a statin pre-operatively, while 46 were not. The concentrations of MMP-1, -2, -3, -8, -9, -13, TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 were quantified using ELISA.


RESULTS
There was no difference in the concentration of MMP-1, -2, -8, -13, TIMP-1 or -2 in patients taking versus not taking a statin pre-operatively. In contrast levels of MMP-9 and MMP-3 were significantly lower in patients taking a statin.


CONCLUSIONS
These data demonstrate that statins decrease MMP-9 and MMP-3 levels and represent a potential pharmacotherapy in established AAA.
Wilson
W R W
WR
Department of Surgery, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK.
Evans
J
J
Bell
P R F
PR
Thompson
M M
MM
D000368:Aged; D001012:Aorta, Abdominal / Q000737:chemistry / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000473:pathology; D017544:Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000601:surgery; D019917:Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation; D002317:Cardiovascular Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008297:Male; D019278:Matrix Metalloproteinase 3 / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000187:drug effects*; D020780:Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000187:drug effects*
D002317:Cardiovascular Agents; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors; D019278:Matrix Metalloproteinase 3; D020780:Matrix Metalloproteinase 9