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  • Title: C-reactive protein induces matrix metalloproteinase-1 and -10 in human endothelial cells: implications for clinical and subclinical atherosclerosis.
    Author: Montero I, Orbe J, Varo N, Beloqui O, Monreal JI, Rodríguez JA, Díez J, Libby P, Páramo JA.
    Journal: J Am Coll Cardiol; 2006 Apr 04; 47(7):1369-78. PubMed ID: 16580524.
    Abstract:
    OBJECTIVES: We examined the effect of C-reactive protein (CRP) on matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) and inhibitor expression in endothelial cells and in patients with clinical and subclinical atherosclerosis. BACKGROUND: In addition to predicting atherosclerotic vascular disease, CRP may directly promote a proinflammatory/proatherosclerotic phenotype. METHODS: Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and aortic endothelial cells (HAECs) were incubated in the presence or absence of CRP (50 mug/ml). Microarray analysis, real-time polymerase chain reaction, immunological and activity assays for MMPs were performed. Specific inhibitors of mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway were used. The MMP-1 and -10 plasma levels were measured in apparently healthy subjects (n = 70). Immunolocalization of CRP, MMP-1, and MMP-10 was performed in human mammary arteries and carotid endarterectomy specimens. RESULTS: C-reactive protein augmented MMP-1 and -10 messenger ribonucleic acid expression in HUVEC (p < 0.05) and HAEC (p < 0.01). C-reactive protein stimulation also increased MMP-1 and -10 protein in conditioned culture medium (p < 0.001), as well as MMP activity (p = 0.001). Specific inhibition of p38 or MEK abolished the CRP induction of the MMP-1, whereas MMP-10 induction blockade required the simultaneous inhibition of p38 and Jun N-terminal kinase pathways. Subjects with CRP values >3 mg/l (n = 37) had increased plasma MMP-1 and -10 (p < 0.05), the association being significant after adjustment for confounding variables (p = 0.04 and p = 0.008, respectively). The MMP-10 levels were elevated in subjects with higher carotid intima-media thickness (p = 0.009). Increased CRP and MMP-10 colocalized in endothelial layer and macrophage-rich areas in advanced atherosclerotic plaques. CONCLUSIONS: Increased local and systemic CRP-related MMP activation might provide a link between inflammation and plaque vulnerability.
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