Matrix metalloprotease-2 in the development and progression of cardiovascular diseases

Abstract

Matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) are a family of proteolytic enzymes that are regulated by a variety of signals that mediate changes in extracellular matrix (ECM). MMPs are important in the progression of cardiovascular diseases. MMP activation modifies the plaque architecture and may also be involved in the process of plaque rupture. MMPs participate in cardiac remodeling following myocardial infarction and in the development of cardiomyopathy. Among the MMPs, MMP-2 is one of the most ubiquitous members of the MMP family and is expressed in all cells of the heart. In the past two decades, there has been tremendous progress in understanding the role of MMP-2 in the development of cardiovascular pathology. In this review, we discuss the implications of MMP-2 in the progression and development of different types of cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, cardiomyopathy, and heart failure.