Journal Article

The Role of Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 in Atherosclerotic Plaque Instability

Li, Xiaojuan, Dong, Geng, Li, Tiewei, Yang, Junmei, Feng, Yichuan, Wang, Yuewu

2020

Overview

Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) belongs to the MMP family and has been widely investigated. Excessive MMP-9 expression can enhance extracellular matrix degradation and promote plaque instability. Studies have demonstrated that MMP-9 levels are higher in vulnerable plaques than in stable plaques. Additionally, several human studies have demonstrated that MMP-9 may be a predictor of atherosclerotic plaque instability and a risk factor for future adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events. MMP-9 deficiency or blocking MMP-9 expression can inhibit plaque inflammation and prevent atherosclerotic plaque instability. All of these results suggest that MMP-9 may be a useful predictive biomarker for vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques, as well as a therapeutic target for preventing atherosclerotic plaque instability. In this review, we describe the structure, function, and regulation of MMP-9. We also discuss the role of MMP-9 in predicting and preventing atherosclerotic plaque instability.

• Publisher: Hindawi Publishing Corporation,Hindawi,John Wiley & Sons, Inc,Hindawi Limited,Wiley
• Subject: Acute coronary syndromes / Arteriosclerosis / Atherosclerosis / Atherosclerotic plaque / Binding sites / Cell adhesion & migration / Enzymes / Extracellular matrix / Gelatinase B / Instability / Matrix metalloproteinase / Metalloproteinase / Neutrophils / Physiology / Plaques / Proteins / Review / Risk factors / Structure-function relationships / Vascular endothelial growth factor