title: Atherosclerosis and proteinase activation.
abstract: Rapidly accumulating evidence points to the matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) as major molecular mediators of arterial diseases. Findings from human pathological specimens, animals, and cell and molecular biology implicate matrix metalloproteinases in all stages of atherosclerosis including lesion initiation and progression and ultimately in plaque complication and triggering of thrombosis. The complex interactions within the proteolytic cascade allow multiple levels of control over these functions. This review weighs the evidence for the role of MMPs in arterial biology with particular reference to their activation in the atherosclerotic plaque.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Cardiovascular Biology and Medicine Division of Medicine, Rayne Institute 5 University Street, London, WC1E 6JJ, UK. cdollery@ucl.ac.uk
authors.forename: Clare M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Dollery
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Libby
mesh_terms: D050197:Atherosclerosis / Q000201:enzymology*; D004789:Enzyme Activation; D005109:Extracellular Matrix / Q000201:enzymology / Q000276:immunology; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation; D009131:Muscle, Smooth, Vascular / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000276:immunology; D010447:Peptide Hydrolases / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic
chemical_list: D010447:Peptide Hydrolases