[Metalloproteinases: therapeutic target in atherosclerosis]

Matrix metalloproteinases are a family of enzymes which collectively can cleave all components of the extracellular matrix. In physiological situations, the expression of matrix metalloproteinases is very low. The increase of their expression leads to several diseases as atherosclerosis, restenosis, rheumatoid arthritis and cancers. In atherosclerosis, metalloproteinases are implicated in the rupture of the atheromatous plaque and contribute to acute vascular accident. Consequently, several studies hypothesized that the inhibition of matrix metalloproteinases activity could reduce the volume of the atheromatous plaque and prevent its destabilisation and therefore could be useful in the treatment of atherosclerosis. However, clinical results have so far been inconclusive because matrix metalloproteinases inhibitors are not very specific. The development of selective inhibitors and gene transfer approaches may better suit the treatment of atherosclerosis.