Differences in matrix metalloproteinase-1 and matrix metalloproteinase-12 transcript levels among carotid atherosclerotic plaques with different histopathological characteristics.

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE:

Previous studies have shown that atherosclerotic lesions express a number of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Here we investigated whether transcript levels of MMP-1, -3, -7, -9, and -12 in carotid atherosclerotic plaques were correlated with histological features and clinical manifestations.

METHODS:

Atherosclerotic plaques (n=50) removed from patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy were classified histologically using a system proposed by Virmani et al, and MMP-1, -3, -7, -9, and -12 transcript levels in these tissues were quantified by real-time reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS:

Compared to plaques with a thick fibrous cap, those with a thin cap had a 7.8-fold higher MMP-1 transcript level (P=0.006). MMP-3, -7, and -12 were 1.5-fold, 1.8-fold, and 2.1-fold, respectively, higher in thin cap plaques, but the differences did not reach statistical significance. MMP-12 transcript levels were significantly increased in ruptured plaques compared with lesions without cap disruption (P=0.001). MMP-9 transcript levels were similar among the different types of lesion. MMP-1 and -12 transcript levels were significantly higher in plaques from patients with amaurosis fugax, than in those from asymptomatic patients (P=0.029 and P=0.008 for MMP-1 and MMP-12, respectively), than in those from patients with stroke (P=0.027 and P=0.001, respectively), and than in those from patients with transient ischemic attack (P=0.046 and P=0.008, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS:

These data support a role of MMP-1 and -12 in determining atherosclerotic plaque stability.

• Authors: Angharad R Morgan, Kittipan Rerkasem, Patrick J Gallagher, Baiping Zhang, Gareth E Morris, Philip C Calder, Robert F Grimble, Per Eriksson, William L McPheat, Clifford P Shearman, Shu Ye
• Journal: Stroke (Stroke) Vol. 35 Issue 6 Pg. 1310-5 (Jun 2004) ISSN: 1524-4628 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 15073384 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• RNA, Messenger
• Metalloendopeptidases
• MMP12 protein, human
• Matrix Metalloproteinase 12
• Matrix Metalloproteinase 1

Topics

• Aged
• Carotid Artery Diseases (diagnosis, pathology)
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Matrix Metalloproteinase 1 (biosynthesis, genetics)
• Matrix Metalloproteinase 12
• Metalloendopeptidases (biosynthesis, genetics)
• RNA, Messenger (metabolism)