Extracellular Matrix and Atherosclerosis

Many kinds of extracellular matrixes (ECMs) are mainly produced by smooth muscle cells (SMC) in both normal arterial walls and atherosclerotic lesions. In particular, type I, III, IV, V, and VIII collagens and elastin are highly expressed in atherosclerotic lesions. The matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) constitute multigene family enzymes and play a central role in the degradation of ECM components. The expression of MMPs is related to atherosclerotic formation. The MMPs produced by SMC and macrophages are MMP-1, 2, 3, 7, 9 and 12 in the arterial wall, and have their highest expression in atherosclerotic lesions. This review focuses on recent work on matrix metalloproteinases and extracellular matrixes in relation to atherosclerosis.