Role of matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors in preventing abdominal aortic aneurysm.
Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a significant health problem in the United States, with approximately 30,000 repair operations annually. Treatment of AAA is associated with more than 150,000 hospital admissions per year. The development of AAA is characterized by destruction of the elastic media of the aortic wall. A large body of evidence suggests that a group of enzymes called matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) plays a significant role in the destruction of extracellular matrix in the aortic wall. MMP inhibition has, therefore, been viewed as an alternative pharmacotherapeutic approach to slow down the development and progression of small AAAs, thus reducing the need for surgical intervention.
Aziz
Faisal
F
Department of Surgery, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA.
Kuivaniemi
Helena
H
D000818:Animals; D017544:Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004318:Doxycycline / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D061965:Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitors; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology
D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors; D061965:Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitors; D004318:Doxycycline