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- Title
The Role of Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 in Atherosclerotic Plaque Instability.
- Authors
Li, Tiewei; Li, Xiaojuan; Feng, Yichuan; Dong, Geng; Wang, Yuewu; Yang, Junmei
- Abstract
Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) belongs to the MMP family and has been widely investigated. Excessive MMP-9 expression can enhance extracellular matrix degradation and promote plaque instability. Studies have demonstrated that MMP-9 levels are higher in vulnerable plaques than in stable plaques. Additionally, several human studies have demonstrated that MMP-9 may be a predictor of atherosclerotic plaque instability and a risk factor for future adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events. MMP-9 deficiency or blocking MMP-9 expression can inhibit plaque inflammation and prevent atherosclerotic plaque instability. All of these results suggest that MMP-9 may be a useful predictive biomarker for vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques, as well as a therapeutic target for preventing atherosclerotic plaque instability. In this review, we describe the structure, function, and regulation of MMP-9. We also discuss the role of MMP-9 in predicting and preventing atherosclerotic plaque instability.
- Subjects
ATHEROSCLEROTIC plaque; CARDIOVASCULAR diseases; EXTRACELLULAR matrix; BIOMARKERS; HUMAN experimentation
- Publication
Mediators of Inflammation, 2020, p1
- ISSN
0962-9351
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1155/2020/3872367