Περίληψη:
Inflammatory process is essential for the initiation and progression of
vascular remodeling, entailing degradation and reorganization of the
extra-cellular matrix (ECM) scaffold of the vessel wall, leading to the
development of atherosclerotic lesions. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs)
are zing dependent endo-peptidases found in most living organisms and
act mainly by degrading ECM components. Most MMPs are formed as inactive
proenzymes and are activated by proteolysis. This process depends and is
regulated by other proteases and endogenous MMP inhibitors (TIMPs). MMPs
and TIMPs play a major role not only in ECM degradation but also in
mediating cell migration, proliferation, tissue remodeling; acting as a
signal for the production and secretion of growth factors and cytokines.
More importantly MMPs through proteolysis and degradation of ECM
contribute in many physiological and pathological processes including
organ development, wound healing, tissue support, vascular remodeling
and restenosis, atherosclerosis progression, acute coronary syndromes,
myocardial infarction, cardiomyopathy, aneurysms remodeling, cancer,
arthritis, and chronic inflammatory diseases. A substantial body of
evidence support the notion that imbalance between the activity of MMPs
and their tissue inhibitors (TIMPs) contribute to the pathogenesis of
cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis, vascular remodeling and
progression of heart failure. In this review, we will discuss the
relationship between MMPs, inflammation and atherosclerosis under the
topic of cardiovascular disease.
Συγγραφείς:
Siasos, Gerasimos
Tousoulis, Dimitris
Kioufis, Stamatios and
Oikonomou, Evangelos
Siasou, Zoi
Limperi, Maria and
Papavassiliou, Athanasios G.
Stefanadis, Christodoulos
