Metaloproteasas en aterosclerosisimplicaciones fisiopatológicas y terapéuticas
- J.A. Páramo 1
- I. Montero 1
- J.A. Rodríguez 1
- J. Orbe 1
- 1 Laboratorio de Aterosclerosis. Área de Fisiopatología Cardiovascular. Fundación para la Investigación Médica Aplicada (FIMA). Facultad de Medicina. Universidad de Navarra. Pamplona. Navarra. España
ISSN: 0214-9168, 1578-1879
Ano de publicación: 2005
Volume: 17
Número: 3
Páxinas: 133-141
Tipo: Artigo
Outras publicacións en: Clínica e investigación en arteriosclerosis
Resumo
Metalloproteases (MMPs) constitute a family of endopeptidases which break down extracellular matrix proteins and play an important role in different physiologic (wound scarring) and pathologic processes such as cancer, angiogenesis and atherosclerosis. Experimental and clinical evidence suggests that MMPs are important in vascular remodeling and fibrous plaque breakdown which complicate the evolution of patients with atherosclerosis by favoring thrombosis and aneurysm formation. A different MMP expression pattern depending on the type of atherosclerotic lesion and vascular bed involved has been observed in human arteries. Similarly, an increase in MMPs has been found in the bloodstream of patients with coronary syndromes. Experimental studies indicate that MMP inhibition may be important in atheromatous plaque stabilization and constitute new therapeutic targets in atherosclerosis management.