Exercise attenuates matrix metalloproteinase activity in preexisting atherosclerotic plaque

Photodynamic Therapy Using a Protease-Mediated Theranostic Agent Reduces Cathepsin-B Activity in Mouse Atheromata In Vivo

“…[1][2][3][4] We previously showed that molecular imaging of cathepsin-B (CatB) or matrix metalloproteinase-2/9 protease activity reflected the inflammatory component of atherosclerotic pathology in mice 5 and human atheromata. 6 We also showed that the protease imaging could quantitatively demonstrate plaque-stabilizing effects of antiatherosclerotic drugs 5 and exercise training 7 in mice. The principle of photodynamic therapy (PDT) is to kill unwanted cells by using a combination of photosensitizers and light illumination to generate highly reactive oxygen species that locally destroys cells over short diffusion distances.…”

Cytokine Response to Diet and Exercise Affects Atheromatous Matrix Metalloproteinase-2/9 Activity in Mice

“…5 However, a group (ND+ET) was added as an additional control in the current study, and abdominal microCT was performed to measure the amount of visceral fat. At the end of the study period, 4 µmoL MMP-2/9 probe in 150 µL phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) was intravenously injected.…”

“…Our previous study 5 established that 8 weeks of WD in this strain was sufficient to induce atherosclerotic plaques in the aorta or branch arteries. Starting at the end of these 8 weeks, for the following 10 weeks, half of each diet group of mice were trained to run on a treadmill.…”

“…The animals in the ND+ET group or WD+ET group were trained, as previously published, 5 to run on a treadmill with a rubber belt driven at a controlled speed (DJ-344; Daejong, Korea) for 30 min/day, 5 days/week.…”

“…5 The study suggested that circulating adiponectin and soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1) might be related to the reduced MMP activity in atheromas, but the mechanisms for this effect were not known. The present study aims to address the mechanisms leading to this observation, relating the MMP-modulating effect of diet and exercise to cytokine homeostasis.…”