Metalloproteinase Expression in Monocytes and Macrophages and its Relationship to Atherosclerotic Plaque Instability

AC Newby

Research output: Contribution to journalArticle (Academic Journal)peer-review

432 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) can degrade strength-giving collagens and other structural proteins of the arterial extracellular matrix. Overproduction of MMPs by monocyte/macrophages could therefore promote atherosclerotic plaque rupture and myocardial infarction. Freshly-recruited monocyte macrophages appear to use a prostaglandin (PG)-dependent pathway to coordinately upregulate a broad and potentially highly-destructive spectrum of MMPs. Differentiated macrophages rely on a series of distinct pathways to selectively upregulate groups of MMPs. Moreover, recent evidence suggests that different macrophage phenotypes express characteristically different spectra of MMPs and their inhibitors. New therapies may result from targeting matrix MMP overproduction.
Translated title of the contributionMetalloproteinase Expression in Monocytes and Macrophages and its Relationship to Atherosclerotic Plaque Instability
Original languageEnglish
JournalArteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Sept 2008

Bibliographical note

Publisher: American Heart Association

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