title: Molecular imaging of matrix metalloproteinases in atherosclerotic plaques.
abstract: Ischaemic stroke and myocardial infarction often result from the sudden rupture of an atherosclerotic plaque. The subsequent arterial thrombosis occluding the vessel lumen has been widely indicated as the crucial acute event causing peripheral tissue ischaemia. A complex cross-talk between systemic and intraplaque inflammatory mediators has been shown to regulate maturation, remodeling and final rupture of an atherosclerotic plaque. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are proteolytic enzymes (released by several cell subsets within atherosclerotic plaques), which favour atherogenesis and increase plaque vulnerability. Thus, the assessment of intraplaque levels and activity of MMP might be of pivotal relevance in the evaluation of the risk of rupture. New imaging approaches, focused on the visualisation of inflammation in the vessel wall and plaque, may emerge as tools for individualised risk assessment and prevention of events. In this review, we summarize experimental findings of the currently available invasive and noninvasive imaging techniques, used to detect the presence and activity of MMPs in atherosclerotic plaques.
authors.affiliation: Cardiology Division, Foundation for Medical Research, Department of Medical Specialties, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Sébastien
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Lenglet
authors.forename: Aurélien
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Thomas
authors.forename: Pierre
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Chaurand
authors.forename: Katia
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Galan
authors.forename: François
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Mach
authors.forename: Fabrizio
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Montecucco
mesh_terms: D017542:Aneurysm, Ruptured / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control; D050197:Atherosclerosis / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology; D004789:Enzyme Activation; D006801:Humans; D020782:Matrix Metalloproteinases / Q000378:metabolism*; D057054:Molecular Imaging; D058226:Plaque, Atherosclerotic / Q000201:enzymology*; D018570:Risk Assessment
chemical_list: D020782:Matrix Metalloproteinases