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The elevated expression of TLR4 and MMP9 in human abdominal aortic aneurysm tissues and its implication

Tan Li1, Xintong Li2, Xiaozheng Liu1

  • 1Department of Cardiovascular Ultrasound, the First Hospital of China Medical University, No. 155 Nanjing Bei Street, Heping District, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning Province, People's Republic of China.

BMC Cardiovascular Disorders
|August 5, 2021
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) are overexpressed in human abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) tissues. High TLR4 correlates with larger AAA size, while high MMP9 is linked to thrombus formation.

Area of Science:

  • Vascular Biology
  • Immunology
  • Pathology

Background:

  • Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) formation involves Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9).
  • Limited data exists on TLR4 and MMP9 expression patterns in human AAA specimens.
  • Understanding these patterns is crucial for AAA pathogenesis research.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the in situ expression of TLR4 and MMP9 in human AAA tissues.
  • To investigate the association between TLR4 and MMP9 expression and clinical parameters in AAA patients.

Main Methods:

  • Immunohistochemistry was used to determine TLR4 and MMP9 protein expression.
  • 40 human AAA specimens and 8 control aortas were analyzed.
  • Expression levels were compared between AAA and control tissues, and correlated with clinical data.

Main Results:

  • TLR4 and MMP9 expression were significantly increased in human AAA tissues compared to controls.
  • Lymphocytes showed higher TLR4 and MMP9 staining compared to macrophages or smooth muscle cells.
  • High TLR4 expression correlated with larger AAA size, and high MMP9 expression with the presence of thrombus.

Conclusions:

  • This study confirms the overexpression of TLR4 and MMP9 in human AAA, implicating them in AAA pathogenesis.
  • TLR4 expression is associated with AAA size, and MMP9 expression with thrombus formation within the aneurysm.
  • These findings highlight the potential roles of TLR4 and MMP9 in AAA development and progression.
Keywords:
Abdominal aortic aneurysmExpressionImmunohistochemistryMatrix metalloproteinase 9Toll-like receptor 4

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