TISSUE INHIBITORS OF METALLOPROTEINASES AND METALLOPROTEINASES IN ATHEROSCLEROSIS

The ability of the metalloproteinases to degrade extracellular matrix proteins is essential for the matrix remodelling that occurs during in filtration of inflammatory cells, intimal thickening, angiogenesis and plaque rupture which are a result of atherosclerosis. Increased metal loproteinase activity therefore requires stimulation of metalloprotein ase expression by cytokines and growth factors, activation of metallop roteinases, and downregulation of tissue inhibitors of metalloproteina ses. In addition, metalloproteinases may influence atherosclerosis by processing of proteins involved in inflammation and cell growth and de ath and the tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases may also play a le ss inhibitory role by influencing cell growth and apoptosis. Curr Opin Lipidol 9:413-423. (C) 1998 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins