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The Role of Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 in Atherosclerotic Plaque Instability

Tiewei Li1, Xiaojuan Li2, Yichuan Feng1

  • 1Zhengzhou Key Laboratory of Children's Infection and Immunity, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, 33 Longhu Waihuan East Street, Jinshui District, Zhengzhou 450000, China.

Mediators of Inflammation
|October 21, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) promotes plaque instability and cardiovascular events. Inhibiting MMP-9 may prevent plaque instability and serve as a therapeutic target.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Cardiovascular Research
  • Biomarker Discovery

Background:

  • Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) is implicated in extracellular matrix degradation.
  • Elevated MMP-9 levels correlate with vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques.
  • MMP-9 is linked to cardiovascular and cerebrovascular event risk.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the structure, function, and regulation of MMP-9.
  • To discuss MMP-9's role in predicting atherosclerotic plaque instability.
  • To explore MMP-9 as a therapeutic target for cardiovascular disease.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of existing studies on MMP-9.
  • Analysis of MMP-9's involvement in extracellular matrix remodeling.
  • Examination of clinical data linking MMP-9 to plaque vulnerability and adverse events.

Main Results:

  • Excessive MMP-9 expression enhances matrix degradation and plaque instability.
  • Higher MMP-9 levels are observed in vulnerable plaques compared to stable ones.
  • MMP-9 deficiency or inhibition reduces plaque inflammation and instability.

Conclusions:

  • MMP-9 is a significant predictor of atherosclerotic plaque instability.
  • MMP-9 represents a potential therapeutic target for preventing cardiovascular events.
  • Further research into MMP-9 modulation could lead to novel treatment strategies.

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