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Cathepsin cysteine proteases in cardiovascular disease

Suzanne P M Lutgens1, Kitty B J M Cleutjens, Mat J A P Daemen

  • 1Department of Pathology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands.

FASEB Journal : Official Publication of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology
|May 25, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Cathepsin proteases play a key role in cardiovascular diseases by remodeling the extracellular matrix and affecting lipid metabolism. Inhibiting cathepsins shows promise for treating atherosclerosis.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Cardiovascular Biology
  • Molecular Medicine

Background:

  • Extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling is a key factor in cardiovascular diseases.
  • Cathepsin cysteine proteases are crucial in ECM remodeling and implicated in cardiovascular disease progression.
  • Cathepsins influence lipid metabolism, contributing to foam cell formation in atherosclerosis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of cathepsins in cardiovascular diseases, particularly atherosclerosis.
  • To explore the diagnostic and therapeutic potential of cathepsins in cardiovascular conditions.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on cathepsin expression and function in cardiovascular diseases.
  • Analysis of in vivo studies involving cathepsin deficiency.
  • Evaluation of cathepsins as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets.

Main Results:

  • Cathepsin K and S deficiency reduces atherosclerosis in vivo.
  • Cathepsins degrade low-density lipoprotein and impair cholesterol efflux, worsening foam cell formation.
  • Serum cathepsins L and S show potential as atherosclerosis biomarkers; cathepsin B as an imaging tool.
  • Cathepsin inhibitors are effective for osteoporosis and osteoarthritis, suggesting therapeutic potential for atherosclerosis.

Conclusions:

  • Cathepsins are significantly involved in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases, especially atherosclerosis.
  • Cathepsin-targeted therapies and diagnostics warrant further investigation for cardiovascular conditions.

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