Περίληψη:
Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) represent a chronic degenerative
condition and impart the risk of a life-threatening episode of rupture.
Chronic inflammation and destructive remodeling of the
extracellularmatrix of the aortic wall constitute trademarks of this
entity. Multiple studies have implicated a group of locally produced
matrix endopeptidases - the matrix metalloproteinases ( MMPs) - as the
main culprits of this process. For this reason, extensive research on
the identification of the role of these enzymes, as well as possible
alternative pharmacological treatments of AAAs, has taken place during
the last few years. The exact role of the several members of the group
of metalloproteinases has already been discovered, and conservative
therapeutic strategies oriented towards these agents have been
suggested, but a definite treatment plan is still a controversial topic.
The possible role of a genetic predisposition to AAAs is another crucial
topic that remains to be determined, as it would render the
confrontation of this condition much more efficient.
