基质金属蛋白酶抑制剂对动脉粥样硬化形成的影响

The Effects of Matrix Metalloproteinases Inhibitors on Atherosclerosis

基质金属蛋白酶是一种酶活性Zn2+依赖性肽链内切酶家族,它们能溶解结缔组织和细胞外基质的多种成分,并能使一些正常和病理性组织发生重构,从而导致了动脉粥样硬化的形成。基质金属蛋白酶抑制剂作为基质金属蛋白酶的特异抑制剂,能够抑制基质金属蛋白酶及其前体的活性。基质金属蛋白酶/基质金属蛋白酶抑制剂的平衡破坏对于动脉粥样硬化形成起了重要作用。

Matrix metalloproteinases （ MMPs ） are zinc-dependent endopeptidases belonging to a family of proteases known as metzincins. MMPs are not only involved in the connective tissue and the degradation of extracellular matrix components, they are also involved in some normal and pathological tissue remodeling which leads to the formation of atherosclerosis. Matrix metalloproteinases inhibitors （ TIMPs ） are the specific inhibitors of MMPs, and can inhibit the activity of MMPs and their precursor. Disruption of the balance between MMPs and TIMPs plays an important role in atherogenesis.