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Updated: Aug 11, 2026
07:32
Bacterial Expression and Purification of Human Matrix Metalloproteinase-3 using Affinity Chromatography
Published on: March 30, 2022
Matrix metalloproteinases: a potential therapeutic target in atherosclerosis
1Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) U-545, Nuclear receptors, lipoproteins and atherosclerosis, Institut Pasteur de Lille, France. Mustapha.Rouis@pasteur-lille.fr
Current Drug Targets. Cardiovascular & Haematological Disorders
|March 1, 2006
Summary
Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) from macrophages weaken atherosclerotic plaques, increasing rupture risk. Selective MMP inhibition or gene transfer may offer better atherosclerosis treatment than current broad-spectrum inhibitors.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Biology
- Biochemistry
- Pathology
Background:
- Atherosclerotic plaques feature lipid cores and fibrous caps.
- Plaque rupture causes acute myocardial infarction via thrombosis.
- Macrophage foam cells in plaques correlate with matrix-degrading metalloproteinases (MMPs) and weakened fibrous caps.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate the role of macrophage-derived MMPs in atherosclerotic plaque weakening.
- Evaluate MMP inhibition as a therapeutic strategy for atherosclerosis.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of atherosclerotic plaque composition and macrophage infiltration.
- Correlation of MMP activity with fibrous cap integrity.
- Review of studies on MMP inhibitors for atherosclerosis treatment.
Main Results:
- Macrophage accumulation is linked to increased MMPs and reduced fibrous cap strength.
- MMPs are implicated in weakening plaque structures, promoting rupture.
- Current non-specific MMP inhibitors have yielded inconclusive clinical results.
Conclusions:
- Macrophage-derived MMPs play a critical role in atherosclerotic plaque instability.
- Selective MMP inhibitors or gene transfer strategies show promise for atherosclerosis treatment.
- Targeted approaches may overcome limitations of current non-specific MMP inhibitors.
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