Abstract:

BACKGROUND: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of zinc (Zn)-dependent endopeptidases that are collectively capable of cleaving virtually all extracellular matrix substrates. Recently studies demonstrated that MMPs participate in early stress reaction and are closely related to restenosis following vascular injury.
OBJECTIVE: To review the physiological and pathological processes of MMPs during vascular injury.
METHODS: A compute based online search was performed on Medline, ovid, springerlink , VIP and CNKI, 29 documents (1990-2010) related to MMPs and vascular injury or drug intervention were summarized.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The ratio of restenosis was very high after the cardiovascular system injured or percutaneous transluminal angioplasty. MMPs expression was increased in local area after vascular injury, which could accelerate restenosis by promoting endometrial thickness and changing vascular remodeling. Therefore, reduction of MMPs expression in the local area after vascular injury provides a direction for preventing and curing vascular restenosis.