title: Targeting of matrix metalloproteinase activation for noninvasive detection of vulnerable atherosclerotic lesions.
abstract: Inflammation plays an important role in vulnerability of atherosclerotic plaques to rupture and hence acute coronary events. The monocyte-macrophage infiltration in plaques leads to upregulation of cytokines and metalloproteinase enzymes. Matrix metalloproteinases result in matrix dissolution and consequently expansive remodeling of the vessel. They also contribute to attenuation of fibrous cap and hence susceptibility to rupture. Assessment of metalloproteinase expression and activity should provide information about plaque instability.
authors.affiliation: School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA.
authors.forename: Dagmar
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Hartung
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Schäfers
authors.forename: Shinichiro
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Fujimoto
authors.forename: Bodo
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Levkau
authors.forename: Navneet
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Narula
authors.forename: Klaus
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Kopka
authors.forename: Renu
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Virmani
authors.forename: Chris
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Reutelingsperger
authors.forename: Leo
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Hofstra
authors.forename: Frank D
authors.initials: FD
authors.lastname: Kolodgie
authors.forename: Artiom
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Petrov
authors.forename: Jagat
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Narula
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D050197:Atherosclerosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000201:enzymology*; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000378:metabolism; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems / Q000379:methods*; D004789:Enzyme Activation; D006801:Humans; D020782:Matrix Metalloproteinases / Q000378:metabolism*; D049268:Positron-Emission Tomography / Q000379:methods*; D019275:Radiopharmaceuticals / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers; D019275:Radiopharmaceuticals; D020782:Matrix Metalloproteinases