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

• Main Authors: Morgan A.R., Rerkasem K., Gallagher P.J., Zhang B., Morris G.E., Calder P.C., Grirable R.F., Eriksson P., McPheat W.L., Shearman C.P., Ye S.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: 2014
• Online Access: http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-2542626086&partnerID=40&md5=7de647927a45c72cd804d15803ce64ff; http://cmuir.cmu.ac.th/handle/6653943832/4144
• Institution: Chiang Mai University

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.