Regulation of Matrix Metalloproteinase-2 and Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 in Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

Abstract

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a degenerative disease characterized by destruction and progressive expansion of the abdominal aortic wall. An AAA is typically defined as an enlargement of the abdominal aorta with diameter ≥3 cm or ≥50% greater than the suprarenal diameter. The pathological changes associated with AAA include inflammatory cell infiltration, extracellular matrix (ECM) destruction and remodeling, and vascular smooth muscle cell loss. The matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) family of proteins plays an important role in initiation and progression of AAA. Since understanding the regulation of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in AAA is essential for treatment of AAA, this review summarized the regulatory mechanisms of MMPs to provide a reference for exploring novel therapeutic approaches.