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Porcine Model of Infrarenal Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
Published on: November 21, 2019
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Matrix Metalloproteinase in Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm and Aortic Dissection
Eithne M Maguire1, Stuart W A Pearce1, Rui Xiao1
1Centre for Clinical Pharmacology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, UK.
Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland)
|August 9, 2019
Summary
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) and Aortic Dissection (AD) lack pharmacological treatments. Research focuses on understanding cellular mechanisms, particularly matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), to develop targeted therapies and avoid risky surgeries.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Science
- Molecular Biology
- Pathophysiology
Background:
- Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) affects 4-5% of men over 65.
- Aortic Dissection (AD) is a life-threatening condition with high mortality.
- Smoking and hypertension are key risk factors for AAA and AD.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate the cellular and molecular pathophysiology of AAA and AD.
- Explore therapeutic potential of targeting matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs).
- Develop non-surgical treatment options for high-risk patients.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing animal models of AAA and AD.
- Analyzing the role of MMPs, specifically MMP-2 and MMP-9.
- Investigating the modulation of MMPs and TIMPs activity.
Main Results:
- Upregulation of MMP-2 and MMP-9 is a key event in aneurysmal growth.
- Animal models show promise for MMP inhibition therapies.
- Targeted delivery of MMP inhibitors requires further development.
Conclusions:
- Current treatments for aortic pathologies are primarily surgical.
- Understanding MMPs' role offers potential for pharmacological interventions.
- Further research is needed for effective targeted delivery of MMP inhibitors to avoid surgery.
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