A role of matrix metalloproteinase-8 in atherosclerosis.

ABSTRACT:

Rationale

Atherosclerotic lesions express matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)8, which possesses proteolytic activity on matrix proteins particularly fibrillar collagens and on nonmatrix proteins such as angiotensin (Ang) I.

Objective

We studied whether MMP8 plays a role in atherogenesis.

Methods and results

In atherosclerosis-prone apolipoprotein E-deficient mice, inactivating MMP8 resulted in a substantial reduction in atherosclerotic lesion formation. Immunohistochemical examinations showed that atherosclerotic lesions in MMP8-deficient mice had significantly fewer macrophages but increased collagen content. In line with results of in vitro assays showing that Ang I cleavage by MMP8 generated Ang II, MMP8 knockout mice had lower Ang II levels and lower blood pressure. In

SUBMITTER: Laxton RC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2853782 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature