Molecular imaging of matrix metalloproteinases in atherosclerotic plaques

Sébastien Lenglet; Aurélien Thomas; Pierre Chaurand; Katia Galan; François Mach; Fabrizio Montecucco

doi:10.1160/TH11-10-0717

Thrombosis and Haemostasis, Table of Contents

Thromb Haemost 2012; 107(03): 409-416
DOI: 10.1160/TH11-10-0717

Review Article

Schattauer GmbH

Molecular imaging of matrix metalloproteinases in atherosclerotic plaques

Authors

Sébastien Lenglet

¹Cardiology Division, Foundation for Medical Research, Department of Medical Specialties, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
Aurélien Thomas

²Department of Chemistry, Montréal University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
Pierre Chaurand

²Department of Chemistry, Montréal University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
Katia Galan

¹Cardiology Division, Foundation for Medical Research, Department of Medical Specialties, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
François Mach

¹Cardiology Division, Foundation for Medical Research, Department of Medical Specialties, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
Fabrizio Montecucco

¹Cardiology Division, Foundation for Medical Research, Department of Medical Specialties, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland

Abstract

Summary

Ischaemic stroke and myocardial infarction often result from the sudden rupture of an atherosclerotic plaque. The subsequent arterial thrombosis occluding the vessel lumen has been widely indicated as the crucial acute event causing peripheral tissue ischaemia. A complex cross-talk between systemic and intraplaque inflammatory mediators has been shown to regulate maturation, remodeling and final rupture of an atherosclerotic plaque. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are proteolytic enzymes (released by several cell subsets within atherosclerotic plaques), which favour atherogenesis and increase plaque vulnerability. Thus, the assessment of intraplaque levels and activity of MMP might be of pivotal relevance in the evaluation of the risk of rupture. New imaging approaches, focused on the visualisation of inflammation in the vessel wall and plaque, may emerge as tools for individualised risk assessment and prevention of events. In this review, we summarize experimental findings of the currently available invasive and noninvasive imaging techniques, used to detect the presence and activity of MMPs in atherosclerotic plaques.

Keywords

Matrix metalloproteinase - atherosclerosis - inflammation

Full Text

References

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