Gene/Protein Disease Symptom Drug Enzyme Compound
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Query: UMLS:C0004153 (atherosclerosis)
 77,401 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

1. Atherosclerosis and aneurysm of the abdominal aorta are associated with thinning of the medial connective tissue. We have investigated the presence of the connective-tissue-degrading metalloproteinases in homogenates prepared from atherosclerotic, aneurysmal and control aortic media. 2. Gelatinase activity was much increased in homogenates from atherosclerotic and aneurysmal aorta [10.9 +/- 1.8 and 13.3 +/- 3.3 micrograms of gelatin hydrolysed h-1 (mg of protein)-1 respectively]. This gelatinase activity was highest at the luminal aspect of the aortic media, where the activity increased three- to five-fold after the destruction of alpha 2-macroglobulin. Zymograms demonstrated the principal gelatinase in atherosclerotic aorta to have a molecular mass of about 92 kDa, whereas in aneurysmal aorta there was a spectrum of gelatinase activity from 92 to 55 kDa. 3. Collagenase and stromelysin (proteoglycanase) could be detected by immunoblotting in homogenates of aneurysmal aorta, but rarely in atherosclerotic aorta and never in control aorta. Collagenase and stromelysin activities were low, but increased two- to three-fold after the destruction of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases. Collagenase and stromelysin activities were highest at the adventitial aspect of aneurysmal media. 4. The secretion of gelatinase by inflammatory cells at the intima of diseased aorta could have a pathological role in establishing atherosclerotic plaques and medial thinning. Secretion of collagenase, gelatinase and stromelysin from the adventitia could accelerate connective tissue degradation in the media of aneurysmal aorta.
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PMID:Metalloproteinases in degenerative aortic disease. 165 68

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) can degrade a number of proteins that constitute the extracellular matrix. Previous studies have shown that atherosclerotic plaques contain substantial amounts of fibrin(ogen)-related antigen, and more recently, MMPs have been identified in such lesions. The hypothesis that MMPs play a role in the degradation of fibrinogen (Fg) and cross-linked fibrin (XL-Fb) was investigated. Fibrinogen became thrombin-unclottable when treated with matrix metalloproteinase 3 (MMP-3, stromelysin 1) but not with matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2, gelatinase A). Incubation of XL-Fb clots (made with 125I-Fg) with MMP-3 resulted in complete lysis after 24 h. A D monomer-like fragment was generated by MMP-3 degradation of fibrinogen, XL-Fb, and fragment DD. Immunoreactivity with monoclonal antibody (MoAb)/4-2 (anti-gamma 392-406) but not with MoAb/4A5 (anti-gamma 397-411) suggested that a major cleavage site was within the sequence participating in the cross-linking of two gamma-chains. NH2-terminal sequence analysis of they gamma-chain of the D monomer-like fragment and of a dipeptide isolated from the MMP-3 digest of XL-fibrin identified the hydrolysis of the gamma Gly 404-Ala 405 peptide bond. These data indicate that the degradation of Fg and XL-Fb by MMP-3 is specific and different from plasmin. This mechanism of fibrinolysis might be of relevance in wound healing, inflammation, atherosclerosis, and other pathophysiological processes.
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PMID:Degradation of cross-linked fibrin by matrix metalloproteinase 3 (stromelysin 1): hydrolysis of the gamma Gly 404-Ala 405 peptide bond. 885 41

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are zinc endopeptidases that are required for the degradation of extracellular matrix components during normal embryo development, morphogenesis and tissue remodelling. Their proteolytic activities are precisely regulated by endogenous tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs). Disruption of this balance results in diseases such as arthritis, atherosclerosis, tumour growth and metastasis. Here we report the crystal structure of an MMP-TIMP complex formed between the catalytic domain of human stromelysin-1 (MMP-3) and human TIMP-1. TIMP-1, a 184-residue protein, has the shape of an elongated, contiguous wedge. With its long edge, consisting of five different chain regions, it occupies the entire length of the active-site cleft of MMP-3. The central disulphide-linked segments Cys 1-Thr 2-Cys 3-Val 4 and Ser 68-Val 69 bind to either side of the catalytic zinc. Cys 1 bidentally coordinates this zinc, and the Thr-2 side chain extends into the large specificity pocket of MMP-3. This unusual architecture of the interface between MMP-3 and TIMP-1 suggests new possibilities for designing TIMP variants and synthetic MMP inhibitors with potential therapeutic applications.
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PMID:Mechanism of inhibition of the human matrix metalloproteinase stromelysin-1 by TIMP-1. 928 70

Long-term dialysis patients suffer from various complications including atherosclerosis. It has been suggested that metalloproteinases (MMPs) contribute to vascular remodeling during the development and progression of human atherosclerosis. Activated human monocytes have been demonstrated to secrete MMPs. In the present study, we measured levels of MMP mRNA in peripheral blood monocytes obtained from patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) or hemodialysis (HD) and chronic-renal-failure patients not undergoing dialysis. Twenty patients with chronic renal failure were not undergoing dialysis, 20 patients were on CAPD, 40 patients were on chronic HD and 20 healthy volunteers served as controls. We used cDNA probes encoding for MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-3 and MMP-9 and glyceraldehyde phosphate dehydrogenase. Higher levels of MMP-9 mRNA in the peripheral blood monocytes were observed in HD patients than in CAPD patients, undialyzed chronic renal failure patients or healthy controls. MMP-9 mRNA levels at the end of HD were not significantly higher than those at the start of HD. MMP-9 mRNA levels from HD patients did not differ among the types of membranes. We could detect minimal MMP-1, MMP-2 and MMP-3 mRNA expression in monocytes from all groups. Serum gelatinase activity was detectable in all samples; however, no significant differences existed among the groups. In summary, MMP-9 mRNA expression is enhanced in monocytes from HD and CAPD patients, and the enhancement may be, in part, associated with cardiovascular complications, including atherosclerosis, in dialysis patients. This increase in monocyte MMP-9 mRNA levels is lower in CAPD patients that it is in HD patients.
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PMID:Metalloproteinase-9 mRNA expression in monocytes from patients with chronic renal failure. 965 34

Degradation of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins in the aorta is a critical step for the development of atherosclerosis. Expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-12 (macrophage elastase), an elastin-degrading proteinase in the MMP family, was investigated in the thoracic aorta of rabbits fed a 1% cholesterol-containing diet for 16 weeks. In the atherosclerotic lesions, MMP-12 was produced abundantly at both the mRNA and protein levels, whereas no expression was observed in the normal rabbit aortas. The principal source of MMP-12 was macrophage foam cells (MFCs) that had infiltrated the atherosclerotic intima; this was demonstrated in both in vitro culture studies of MFCs purified from atherosclerotic lesions and immunohistochemical studies of aortic lesions. Additional biochemical studies using recombinant rabbit MMP-12 revealed that MMP-12 digested elastin, type IV collagen, and fibronectin and also activated MMP-2 and MMP-3. Expression of MMP-12 by human macrophage cell lines was increased by stimulation with acetylated low-density lipoprotein, implying augmentation of MMP-12 production during foam cell formation. Increased expression of MMP-12 in atherosclerotic lesions, concomitant with foam cell generation, which triggers the acceleration of ECM breakdown, is likely to be a critical step in the initiation and progression of the atherosclerotic cascade.
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PMID:Expression and localization of matrix metalloproteinase-12 in the aorta of cholesterol-fed rabbits: relationship to lesion development. 966 71

Monocytes/macrophages (Mo) appear to play a critical role in the initiation and progression of atherosclerotic lesions. In this study, we characterized in vitro-differentiated embryonic stem (ES) cell macrophages as a model system for studying atherosclerosis-associated Mo functions. Using immunofluorescence staining and Western analysis, we demonstrate that ES Mo express typical macrophage cell surface markers, as well as the known receptors for modified forms of low density lipoprotein (LDL), including the Mo scavenger receptors (SR-A type I and type II), CD36, and CD68. Differentiated ES Mo specifically bind and degrade 125I-labeled acetylated LDL with high affinity, and their incubation with acetylated LDL (15 microg/mL) for 48 hours produces characteristic "foamy" Mo, as visualized by oil red O staining. ES Mo also express matrix-degrading metalloproteinases (MMP-3, MMP-9), which have been implicated in collagen breakdown in the fibrous cap of atherosclerotic plaques, and secrete cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-6) in response to inflammatory stimuli. Transfection experiments, using a green fluorescent protein reporter gene, driven by the myeloid-specific promoter, CD11b, demonstrated that ES Mo can also be used to study macrophage-restricted gene expression in vitro. Taken together, these data demonstrate that ES Mo exhibit many properties typical of arterial lesion macrophages. Its ease of genetic manipulation makes it an attractive system for investigations of macrophage functions in vitro.
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PMID:In vitro-differentiated embryonic stem cell macrophages: a model system for studying atherosclerosis-associated macrophage functions. 976 39

The broad-spectrum MMP inhibitor CGS 27023A was tested to determine its potential as a therapy for atherosclerosis, aneurysm, and restenosis. LDL receptor-deficient (LDLr -/-) mice fed a high-fat, cholic acid-enriched diet for 16 weeks developed advanced aortic atherosclerosis with destruction of elastic lamina and ectasia in the media underlying complex plaques. Lesion formation correlated with a 4.6- to 21.7-fold increase in MMP-3, -12, and -13 expression. Treatment with CGS 27023A (p.o., b.i.d. at 50 mg/kg) had no effect on the extent of aortic atherosclerosis (36 +/- 4% versus 30 +/- 2% in controls), but both aortic medial elastin destruction and ectasia grade were significantly reduced (38% and 36%, respectively, p < 0.05). In the rat ballooned-carotid-artery model, CGS 27023A (12.5 mg/kg/day via osmotic minipump) reduced smooth muscle cell migration at 4 days by 83% (p < 0.001). Intimal lesions were reduced by 85% at 7 days (p < 0.001), but intimal smooth muscle proliferation was unaffected, and inhibitory efficacy was lost with time. At 12 days, intimal lesion reduction was less potent (52%, p < 0.01). At 3 and 6 weeks, reductions of 11% and 4%, respectively, were not significant. This demonstrates that it is essential to include late time points when the ballooned-carotid-artery model is employed to ensure that lesion size does not "catch up" when a compound solely inhibits smooth muscle cell migration. In summary, MMP inhibitor therapy delayed but did not prevent intimal lesions, thereby demonstrating little promise to prevent restenosis. In contrast, MMP inhibitor therapy may prove useful to retard progression of aneurysm.
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PMID:Effect of matrix metalloproteinase inhibition on progression of atherosclerosis and aneurysm in LDL receptor-deficient mice overexpressing MMP-3, MMP-12, and MMP-13 and on restenosis in rats after balloon injury. 1041 29

Advanced atherosclerosis is often associated with dystrophic calcification, which may contribute to plaque rupture and thrombosis. In this work, the localization and association of the noncollagenous bone matrix proteins osteonectin, osteopontin, and osteocalcin with calcification, lipoproteins, thrombus/hemorrhage (T/H), and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in human carotid arteries from endarterectomy samples have been determined. According to the recent American Heart Association classification, 6 of the advanced lesions studied were type V (fibroatheroma) and 16 type VI (complicated). Osteonectin, osteocalcin, and osteopontin were identified by monoclonal antibodies IIIA(3)A(8), G12, and MPIIIB10(1) and antiserum LF-123. Apolipoprotein (apo) AI, B, and E; lipoprotein(a); fibrinogen; fibrin; fragment D/D-dimer; MMP-2 (gelatinase A); and MMP-3 (stromelysin-1) were identified with previously characterized antibodies. Calcium phosphate deposits (von Kossa's stain) were present in 82% of samples (3 type V and 15 type VI). Osteonectin was localized in endothelial cells, SMCs, and macrophages and was associated with calcium deposits in 33% of type V and 88% of type VI lesions. Osteopontin was distributed similarly to osteonectin and was associated with calcium deposits in 50% of type V and 94% of type VI lesions. Osteocalcin was localized in large calcified areas only (in 17% of type V and 38% of type VI lesions). ApoB colocalized with cholesterol crystals and calcium deposits. Lipoprotein(a) was localized in the intima, subintima, and plaque shoulder. Fibrin (T/H) colocalized with bone matrix proteins in 33% of type V and 69% of type VI lesions. MMP-3 was cytoplasmic in most cells and colocalized with calcium and fibrin deposits. MMP-2 was less often associated with calcification. The results of this study show that osteonectin, osteopontin, and osteocalcin colocalized with calcium deposits with apoB, fibrin, and MMP-3 in advanced, symptomatic carotid lesions. These data suggest that the occurrence of T/H might contribute to dystrophic arterial calcification in the progression and complications of atherosclerosis.
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PMID:Noncollagenous bone matrix proteins, calcification, and thrombosis in carotid artery atherosclerosis. 1044 63

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) participate in physiological remodeling of the extracellular matrix. Recently we determined that both fibrinogen (Fg) and cross-linked fibrin (XL-Fb) are substrates for selected MMPs. Specifically, XL-Fb clots were solubilized by MMP-3 (stromelysin 1) by cleavage at gamma Gly 404-Ala 405, resulting in a D-like monomer fragment. Similarly, MMP-7 (matrilysin) and MT1-MMP (membrane type 1 matrix metalloproteinase) solubilized XL-Fb clots. However, the molecular mass of fragment D-dimer, obtained after MMP-7 and MT1-MMP degradation of XL-Fb, is similar to that of fragment D-dimer from plasmin degradation ( approximately 186 kDa). In contrast, fragment D-like monomer, from MMP-3 degradation of both fibrinogen (Fg) and XL-Fb, is similar to fragment D from plasmin degradation of Fg ( approximately 94 kDa). Reduced chains from MMP-3, MMP-7, and MT1-MMP digests of Fg and XL-Fb were subjected to direct sequence analyses and D/D-dimer alpha-chain showed cleavage at both alpha Asp 97-Phe 98 and alpha Asn 102-Asn 103. Degradation of the beta-chain resulted in microheterogeneity of cleavage sites at beta Asp 123-Leu 124, beta Asn 137-Val 138, and beta Glu 141-Tyr 142, whereas all three enzymes cleaved the gamma-chain at gamma Thr 83-Leu 84. In both Fg and XL-Fb, several cleavage sites obtained by proteolysis with MMP-3, MMP-7, and MT1-MMP were found to be in very close proximity to those obtained by plasmin on these same substrates. That does not occur with other MMPs such as MMP-1, -2, and -9 and MT2-MMP. The degradation of XL-Fb by MMPs suggests both plasmin-dependent and independent mechanisms of fibrinolysis that might be relevant in inflammation, angiogenesis, arthritis, and atherosclerosis.
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PMID:Characterization of stromelysin 1 (MMP-3), matrilysin (MMP-7), and membrane type 1 matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP) derived fibrin(ogen) fragments D-dimer and D-like monomer: NH2-terminal sequences of late-stage digest fragments. 1052 39

Macrophage expression of matrix degrading metalloproteinases (MMPs) in human atheroma has been found to occur in rupture-prone areas of plaques. To investigate the effect of metalloproteinase activity on plaque stability, we attempted to generate mice that expressed a stromelysin-1 (MMP-3) transgene specifically in macrophages. Promoter sequences taken from a macrophage-tropic lentivirus (visna) were used to drive transgene expression. The transgene construct was expressed in macrophages in vitro and its autoactivation was established by casein zymography. Transgenic mice generated with this construct died at or before birth. No gross anatomical changes were observed in these mice. Embryos arising from a second round of oocyte injections with the transgene were examined at day 16 of gestation. Of the products of conception, approximately 40% resulted in vacant conceptuses. Only one animal of 38 examined carried the transgene and its expression of MMP-3 mRNA at E16 was faintly detected by RT-PCR. When a non-toxic reporter gene, luciferase, was substituted for the MMP-3 cDNA, healthy transgenic mice were produced that expressed the reporter gene in a wide variety of tissue macrophages, including those located in the brain, testis, lung, and thymus. These studies suggest that constitutive expression of MMP-3 in diverse populations of tissue macrophages leads to prenatal or neonatal death in the mouse. It appears likely that more sophisticated transcriptional control of MMP-3 expression will be required in order to generate stromelysin-1 transgenic mice that could be useful models for studying overexpression of this metalloproteinase's activity in the lesional macrophages of atherosclerotic plaques.
Atherosclerosis 2000 Feb
PMID:Stromelysin-1 (MMP-3) expression driven by a macrophage-specific promoter results in reduced viability in transgenic mice. 1065 74


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