MMPs in Cardiovascular Diseases

MMPs have been implicated in the development and progression of various cardiovascular disorders, including atherosclerosis, aneurysms, and hypertension.

In atherosclerosis, MMPs play a role in the remodeling of the extracellular matrix in arterial walls, leading to the formation of unstable plaques that can rupture and cause cardiovascular events such as heart attacks and strokes. MMP-2 and MMP-9 are particularly important in this process, as they are involved in the breakdown of collagen and elastin in the arterial wall.

In aneurysms, MMPs are thought to play a role in weakening the arterial wall, leading to the formation of aneurysms. MMP-2, MMP-9, and MMP-12 have all been implicated in aneurysm formation and progression.

In hypertension, MMPs may be involved in the remodeling of the vascular wall, leading to increased vascular stiffness and impaired vascular function. MMP-2 and MMP-9 have been shown to be upregulated in hypertensive patients.

MMPs have been implicated in the pathogenesis of Myocardial infarction (MI), a condition in which blood flow to the heart is blocked, leading to damage or death of heart muscle cells. Several MMPs have been found to be upregulated in the setting of MI: MMP-2, MMP-9, and MMP-14.

Targeting MMP activity has been proposed as a potential therapeutic strategy for cardiovascular disorders, as MMPs are involved in the remodeling of the extracellular matrix in arterial walls and are implicated in the development and progression of various cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis, aneurysms, and hypertension.

How to use recombinant MMPs could be used in cardiovascular disease research

1. Understanding the underlying mechanisms: Recombinant MMPs can be used to study the mechanisms underlying the development and progression of cardiovascular diseases. By studying the effects of MMPs on various cellular and molecular pathways, researchers can gain a better understanding of the disease process and identify potential therapeutic targets.
2. Developing new treatments: MMP inhibitors have shown promise as potential treatments for cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis and heart failure. Recombinant MMPs can be used to test the efficacy and safety of these inhibitors in preclinical and clinical studies.
3. Identifying biomarkers: MMPs have been identified as potential biomarkers for cardiovascular diseases. Recombinant MMPs can be used to develop assays to measure the levels of MMPs in patient samples, which could help in the diagnosis and monitoring of cardiovascular diseases.

Overall, the use of recombinant MMPs in cardiovascular disease research has the potential to improve our understanding of the disease process and lead to the development of new treatments and diagnostic tools.

References
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Brauer PR. MMPs–role in cardiovascular development and disease. Front Biosci. 2006 Jan 1;11:447-78.
Brown BA, Williams H, George SJ. Evidence for the Involvement of Matrix-Degrading Metalloproteinases (MMPs) in Atherosclerosis. Prog Mol Biol Transl Sci. 2017;147:197-237.