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- Title
The pivotal role of matrix metalloproteinases in the development of human abdominal aortic aneurysms.
- Authors
Liapis, Christos D.; Paraskevas, Kosmas I.
- Abstract
Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) represent a chronic degenerative condition and impart the risk of a life-threatening episode of rupture. Chronic in inflammation and destructive remodeling of the extracellular matrix of the aortic wall constitute trademarks of this entity. Mul- tiple studies have implicated a group of locally produced matrix endopeptidasesthe matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs)as the main culprits of this process. For this reason, extensive research on the identification of the role of these enzymes, as well as possible alternative pharmacological treatments of AAAs, has taken place during the last few years. The exact role of the several members of the group of metalloproteinases has already been discovered, and conservative therapeutic strategies oriented towards these agents have been suggested, but a definite treatment plan is still a controversial topic. The possible role of a genetic predisposition to AAAs is another crucial topic that remains to be determined, as it would render the confrontation of this condition much more efficient.
- Subjects
ANEURYSMS; METALLOPROTEINASES; NEOVASCULARIZATION; VASCULAR smooth muscle; VASCULAR endothelium; GENETICS; GENETIC mutation
- Publication
Vascular Medicine, 2003, Vol 8, Issue 4, p267
- ISSN
1358-863X
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1191/1358863x03vm504ra