Despite considerable advances in the development of new diagnostic tools, rupture of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is still associated with high mortality rates. Currently surgical intervention is indicated by the diameter, being the only reliable parameter of imminent risk of rupture. Inflammation and especially proteolysis are considered to play a crucial role in the pathophysiology of the diseased aortic vessel wall. In this context, the role of MMPs (matrix metalloproteases) in vasular inflammation and proteolysis is well examined. However, so far only few studies have concerned the role of ADAMs (a disintegrin and metalloprotease), another relevant family of metalloproteases, in AAA. Therefore, a systematic analysis of ADAMs and their inhibitors TIMPS (tissue inhibitor of metalloprotease) was performed on samples of AAAs and non-aneurysmatic aortas. The results provide an evidence of lacking inhibition of ADAMs by TIMPs in AAA, indicating possible involvement of these metalloproteases in formation and progression of AAA.
«
Despite considerable advances in the development of new diagnostic tools, rupture of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is still associated with high mortality rates. Currently surgical intervention is indicated by the diameter, being the only reliable parameter of imminent risk of rupture. Inflammation and especially proteolysis are considered to play a crucial role in the pathophysiology of the diseased aortic vessel wall. In this context, the role of MMPs (matrix metalloproteases) in vasular in...
»