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  • Title: Matrix metalloproteinase-9 expression is associated with the presence of Chlamydia pneumoniae in human coronary atherosclerotic plaques.
    Author: Arno G, Kaski JC, Smith DA, Akiyu JP, Hughes SE, Baboonian C.
    Journal: Heart; 2005 Apr; 91(4):521-5. PubMed ID: 15772219.
    Abstract:
    OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between Chlamydia pneumoniae and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) in atherosclerotic plaques. DESIGN: 31 coronary atherosclerotic plaque specimens were studied by immunohistochemistry, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and reverse transcription PCR for the presence of C pneumoniae antigen and genomic DNA, and of MMP-9 protein and transcripts. RESULTS: Immunohistochemical analysis identified a strong association between the presence of C pneumoniae antigen and production of MMP-9 in coronary atherosclerotic plaques (p = 0.001). Furthermore, analysis of the intralesional amount of C pneumoniae and MMP-9 indicated an increased number of cells positive for MMP-9 in arterial sections that had increased C pneumoniae positivity (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study provides evidence of an association between expression of MMP-9 and the intravascular presence of C pneumoniae and may suggest a potential pathological mechanism whereby C pneumoniae may contribute to the progression of coronary atherosclerosis.
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