Matrix metalloproteinases in cardiovascular disease.
Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of proteolytic enzymes that are regulated by inflammatory signals to mediate changes in extracellular matrix. Members of the MMP family share sequence homology, act on interstitial protein substrates, acutely participate in inflammatory processes and chronically mediate tissue remodelling. MMPs are important in vascular remodelling, not only in the overall vasculature architecture but also, more importantly, in the advancing atherosclerotic plaque. MMP activation modifies the architecture of the plaque and may directly participate in the process of plaque rupture. MMPs also participate in cardiac remodelling following myocardial infarction and development of dilated cardiomyopathy. Soluble MMPs are now potential biomarkers in delineating cardiovascular risk for plaque rupture and coronary risk. They also constitute innovative direct or indirect targets to modify cardiovascular tissue remodelling in atherosclerosis and heart failure.
Heart & Stroke/Richard Lewar Centre of Excellence, and the Department of Physiology, Toronto General Hospital, Toronto, Ontario. peter.liu@utoronto.ca
Peter
P
Liu
Mei
M
Sun
Sawsan
S
Sader
D000818:Animals; D050197:Atherosclerosis / Q000503:physiopathology*; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology*; D004789:Enzyme Activation; D005109:Extracellular Matrix / Q000502:physiology; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D020782:Matrix Metalloproteinases / Q000502:physiology*; D009206:Myocardium / Q000473:pathology; D020257:Ventricular Remodeling / Q000502:physiology
D020782:Matrix Metalloproteinases