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HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins) decrease MMP-3 and MMP-9 concentrations in abdominal aortic aneurysms

W R W Wilson1, J Evans, P R F Bell

  • 1Department of Surgery, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK.

European Journal of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery : the Official Journal of the European Society for Vascular Surgery
|July 13, 2005
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Statins significantly lower matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and MMP-3 levels in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). This suggests statins may be a potential pharmacotherapy for established AAA.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Vascular Biology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their inhibitors (TIMPs) play a role in abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) formation.
  • 3-Hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme-A reductase inhibitors (statins) are known to reduce MMP levels.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the in vivo effect of statins on MMP levels in patients with AAA.

Main Methods:

  • Infra-renal aortic biopsies were collected from 63 patients undergoing asymptomatic AAA repair.
  • MMP and TIMP concentrations (MMP-1, -2, -3, -8, -9, -13, TIMP-1, TIMP-2) were quantified using ELISA.
  • Patients were stratified based on pre-operative statin use (17 statin users vs. 46 non-users).

Main Results:

  • No significant difference in MMP-1, -2, -8, -13, TIMP-1, or TIMP-2 levels was observed between statin users and non-users.
  • MMP-9 and MMP-3 levels were significantly lower in patients taking statins pre-operatively.

Conclusions:

  • Statins demonstrably decrease MMP-9 and MMP-3 levels in patients with established AAA.
  • These findings suggest statins hold potential as a pharmacotherapy for AAA.

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