Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 22, 2026

Scanning Electron Microscopy of Macerated Tissue to Visualize the Extracellular Matrix
10:21

Scanning Electron Microscopy of Macerated Tissue to Visualize the Extracellular Matrix

Published on: June 14, 2016

Matrix metalloproteinases in the pathogenesis of viral heart disease

David Marchant1, Bruce M McManus

  • 1The James Hogg iCAPTURE Centre for Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Research, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Providence Heart + Lung Institute, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, BC V6Z1Y6, Canada.

Trends in Cardiovascular Medicine
|May 27, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play a dual role in viral heart disease. While implicated in myocarditis, MMP-9 specifically aids the antiviral immune response, reconciling conflicting research findings.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Cardiology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are enzymes crucial for extracellular matrix remodeling.
  • MMPs regulate immune responses by cleaving chemokines and cytokines.
  • MMP expression is linked to viral heart disease, including myocarditis and its sequelae.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To reconcile conflicting findings on the role of MMPs in viral myocarditis.
  • To examine the dual role of MMPs in cardiac disease, encompassing both damage and protection.
  • To review the specific contribution of MMP-9 to the antiviral immune response in viral myocarditis.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review and synthesis of existing studies.
  • Analysis of research on MMP expression in viral myocarditis.
  • Examination of evidence for both pathogenic and protective roles of MMPs.

Main Results:

  • Studies present conflicting data on MMPs' impact in viral myocarditis.
  • MMP-9 has been identified as a beneficial component of the antiviral immune response.
  • Evidence suggests MMPs can both inflict damage and offer protection in cardiac disease.

Conclusions:

  • The role of MMPs in viral myocarditis is complex and context-dependent.
  • MMP-9 demonstrates a protective function in the antiviral immune response.
  • Further research is needed to fully understand and reconcile the dual functions of MMPs in cardiac pathology.

More Related Videos

In Vivo Nanovector Delivery of a Heart-specific MicroRNA-sponge09:53

In Vivo Nanovector Delivery of a Heart-specific MicroRNA-sponge

Published on: June 15, 2018

Related Concept Videos

Myocarditis III: Medical Management01:14

Myocarditis III: Medical Management

Myocarditis: Comprehensive Medical ManagementMyocarditis, the heart muscle inflammation, requires a comprehensive medical management strategy that addresses the underlying cause, provides supportive care, manages symptoms, and reduces cardiac workload.Infections and Autoimmune CausesAdminister appropriate antimicrobial therapy when an infectious agent causes myocarditis. For instance, penicillin treats infections caused by Group A Streptococcus. In cases where autoimmune processes are...
Myocarditis I: Introduction01:21

Myocarditis I: Introduction

Myocarditis is inflammation of the myocardium, which is the muscular layer of the heart.EtiologyMyocarditis has a diverse etiology, including a wide range of infectious and non-infectious causes:Infectious CausesViral: Common viruses include Coxsackie A and B, adenovirus, parvovirus B19, enteroviruses, and influenza A.Bacterial: Examples include infections caused by Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, and Mycoplasma species.Rickettsial: Infections like Rocky Mountain spotted fever can result in...
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...
Coronary Artery Disease II: Pathophysiology01:26

Coronary Artery Disease II: Pathophysiology

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) originates from a series of events that impair the function of coronary arteries, the blood vessels responsible for delivering oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle. The pathophysiology of CAD is closely linked to atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory and lipid-driven condition affecting the vascular endothelium.1. Endothelial DamageThe process begins with damage to the vascular endothelium, which serves as a protective barrier between the blood and the vessel...
Heart Failure II: Pathophysiology01:29

Heart Failure II: Pathophysiology

Systolic Heart Failure and Compensatory MechanismsSystolic heart failure (also termed HFrEF, Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction) is the most prevalent type of heart filure. It results in a decreased volume of blood being pumped from the ventricle. The aortic arch and carotid sinuses have baroreceptors that detect reduced blood pressure, triggering the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) to release epinephrine and norepinephrine. Initially, this response aims to boost heart rate and...
Mitral Stenosis I: Introduction01:22

Mitral Stenosis I: Introduction

Mitral Valve Stenosis (MVS) is a heart condition where the mitral valve narrows, impeding blood circulation from the left atrium to the left ventricle. The etiology and pathophysiology of this condition are multifaceted, leading to a cascade of cardiovascular complications.Causes of Mitral Valve StenosisRheumatic Heart Disease: It is the main cause of mitral valve stenosis, particularly in developing nations. This condition arises from rheumatic fever, an inflammatory illness resulting from...