Key Points
- To directly evaluate the role of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) in atherosclerotic plaque formation and composition using an apolipoprotein E-deficient mouse model.
- Crossed MMP-2-deficient (MMP-2-/-) mice with apolipoprotein E-deficient (apoE-/-) mice to generate double-knockout (MMP-2-/-:apoE-/-) mice.
- Fed mice a lipid-rich diet for 8 weeks and performed morphological and biochemical analyses of plaque lesions in the aortic sinus and arch.
- MMP-2-/-:apoE-/- mice exhibited a significant reduction in atherosclerotic plaque size in both the aortic sinus and arch, accompanied by a decrease in smooth muscle cell-positive area compared to MMP-2+/+:apoE-/- controls.
- Macrophage- and collagen-positive areas were significantly reduced in the aortic sinus of double-knockout mice, but showed no difference in the aortic arch.
- Aortic lesions in MMP-2-/-:apoE-/- mice displayed markedly lower mRNA expression of TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 compared to controls, whereas MMP-9 mRNA expression was not significantly altered.
Structured PICO
Does MMP-2 deficiency reduce atherosclerotic lesion formation in apoE-deficient mice?
PPopulationApolipoprotein E-deficient (apoE-/-) mice
IInterventionMMP-2 deficiency (MMP-2(-/-):apoE(-/-) mice)
CComparatorMMP-2 wild-type (MMP-2(+/+):apoE(-/-) mice)
OOutcomeAtherosclerotic plaque development in the aortic sinus and archsurrogate
MMP-2 deficiency significantly reduces atherosclerotic plaque formation in apoE-deficient mice, demonstrating that MMP-2 contributes to the development of atherosclerosis.