Aggregated low density lipoproteins decrease metalloproteinase-9 expression and activity in human coronary smooth muscle cells.

Plaque stability largely depends on vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) function. VSMC secrete metalloproteinases (MMPs), matrix degrading endopeptidases, that regulate VSMC migration and function. Among them, gelatinase B or MMP-9 seems to have a protective effect by promoting a stable plaque phenot... View More