The Role of Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 in Atherosclerotic Plaque Instability

Abstract EN

Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) belongs to the MMP family and has been widely investigated.

Excessive MMP-9 expression can enhance extracellular matrix degradation and promote plaque instability.

Studies have demonstrated that MMP-9 levels are higher in vulnerable plaques than in stable plaques.

Additionally, several human studies have demonstrated that MMP-9 may be a predictor of atherosclerotic plaque instability and a risk factor for future adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events.

MMP-9 deficiency or blocking MMP-9 expression can inhibit plaque inflammation and prevent atherosclerotic plaque instability.

All of these results suggest that MMP-9 may be a useful predictive biomarker for vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques, as well as a therapeutic target for preventing atherosclerotic plaque instability.

In this review, we describe the structure, function, and regulation of MMP-9.

We also discuss the role of MMP-9 in predicting and preventing atherosclerotic plaque instability.