Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 14, 2026

Murine Surgical Model of Topical Elastase Induced Descending Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm
08:33

Murine Surgical Model of Topical Elastase Induced Descending Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm

Published on: August 24, 2019

Matrix metalloproteinases in the aneurysm wall of patients treated with low-dose doxycycline

Ren Ding1, Cathy L McGuinness, Kevin G Burnand

  • 1Academic Department of Surgery, King's College, St Thomas' Campus, London, UK.

Vascular
|November 18, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Low-dose doxycycline did not alter matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) or tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1 levels in abdominal aortic aneurysms. This study found no significant changes in MMP or TIMP-1 expression or activity with doxycycline treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Research
  • Biochemistry
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) are characterized by the degradation of the extracellular matrix, involving matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their inhibitors, such as tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1).
  • Doxycycline, a matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor, has been investigated for its potential therapeutic effects in AAA disease.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of low-dose doxycycline on the expression and activity of various matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) in the walls of abdominal aortic aneurysms.
  • To assess whether doxycycline treatment influences MMP and TIMP-1 at the protein and messenger RNA (mRNA) levels.

Main Methods:

  • A double-blind, randomized study involving patients undergoing surgery for abdominal aortic aneurysms.
  • Patients received either 100 mg/d of doxycycline orally or a placebo for one month prior to surgery.
  • Analysis of MMP-2, -3, and -9 (zymogen and activity), other MMPs (MMP-1, -2, -3, -7, -9, -11, -12, -14), and TIMP-1 mRNA in the aneurysm wall tissue.

Main Results:

  • No significant differences were observed between the doxycycline and placebo groups in the zymogen levels of MMP-2, -3, or -9.
  • Free and total activities of MMP-2 and MMP-9 did not differ between the treatment and placebo groups.
  • Doxycycline treatment had no discernible effect on the concentration of any measured MMP or TIMP-1 mRNA, nor was any relationship found between adherence to treatment and MMP/TIMP levels.

Conclusions:

  • Low-dose doxycycline (100 mg/d) does not alter the expression or activity of matrix metalloproteinases or tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 in the aneurysm wall.
  • These findings suggest that this regimen of doxycycline is unlikely to modify the key molecular pathways involved in abdominal aortic aneurysm pathogenesis.
  • Further research may be needed to explore alternative dosing strategies or different therapeutic agents for managing abdominal aortic aneurysms.

More Related Videos

Doxycycline Loaded Collagen-Chitosan Composite Scaffold for the Accelerated Healing of Diabetic Wounds10:49

Doxycycline Loaded Collagen-Chitosan Composite Scaffold for the Accelerated Healing of Diabetic Wounds

Published on: August 21, 2021

Subcutaneous Angiotensin II Infusion using Osmotic Pumps Induces Aortic Aneurysms in Mice07:21

Subcutaneous Angiotensin II Infusion using Osmotic Pumps Induces Aortic Aneurysms in Mice

Published on: September 28, 2015

Related Concept Videos

Aneurysm III: Interprofessional Care01:26

Aneurysm III: Interprofessional Care

Aneurysm management involves either conservative medical therapy or surgical intervention, depending on the size and symptoms of the aneurysm. Conservative management is generally reserved for smaller, asymptomatic aneurysms, while larger or symptomatic aneurysms often necessitate surgical repair.Conservative Medical TherapyFor small, asymptomatic aneurysms, particularly abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) less than 5.5 centimeters in diameter, conservative medical therapy is recommended. This...
Role of Matrix Metalloproteases in Degradation of ECM01:23

Role of Matrix Metalloproteases in Degradation of ECM

Matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) are enzymes involved in the hydrolysis of proteins and glycoproteins of the extracellular matrix. MMPs are essential for the migration and proliferation of cells through the dense matrix network, throughout embryonic development, and throughout morphogenesis. The first MMP activity discovered was a collagenase in a tadpole's tail undergoing metamorphosis. The active collagen deposition and modifications lead to the morphogenesis of tadpoles into the adult body.
A...
Aneurysm I: Introduction01:30

Aneurysm I: Introduction

An aortic aneurysm is a localized outpouching or dilation at a weak point in the artery wall. It may involve different parts of the aorta, such as the abdominal aorta, aortic arch, or thoracic aorta.Etiological factorsSeveral disorders are associated with aortic aneurysms.Congenital causes, such as primary connective tissue disorders like Marfan syndrome, impact the integrity and strength of connective tissues, notably affecting the aorta. Marfan syndrome is a genetic disorder that specifically...