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Matrix Metalloproteinases and Diabetic Vascular ComplicationsDepartment of Vascular Surgery, Athens University Medical School, London, UK, nikoskad{at}yahoo.com
Department of Vascular Surgery, Athens University Medical School, Department of Clinical Biochemistry (Vascular Disease Prevention Clinics), Royal Free Hospital, Royal Free and University College Medical School, London, UK
Laboratory of Experimental Surgery and Surgical Research, University of Athens, Greece
Department of Vascular Surgery, Athens University Medical School, London, UK Diabetes mellitus (DM) is associated with an increased incidence of cardiovascular events and microvascular complications. These complications contribute to the morbidity and mortality associated with DM. There is increasing evidence supporting a role for matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their inhibitors (tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinasesTIMPs) in the atherosclerotic process. However, the relationship between MMPs/TIMPs and diabetic angiopathy is less well defined. Hyperglycemia directly or indirectly (eg, via oxidative stress or advanced glycation products) increases MMP expression and activity. These changes are associated with histologic alterations in large vessels. On the other hand, low proteolytic activity of MMPs contributes to diabetic nephropathy. Within atherosclerotic plaques an imbalance between MMPs and TIMPs may induce matrix degradation, resulting in an increased risk of plaque rupture. Furthermore, because MMPs enhance blood coagulability, MMPs and TIMPs may play a role in acute thrombotic occlusion of vessels and consequent cardiovascular events. Some drugs can inhibit MMP activity. However, the precise mechanisms involved are still not defined. Further research is required to demonstrate the causative relationship between MMPs/TIMPs and diabetic atherosclerosis. It also remains to be established if the long-term administration of MMP inhibitors can prevent acute cardiovascular events.
Angiology, Vol. 56, No. 2,
173-189 (2005) This article has been cited by other articles:
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