In:
Circulation, Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health), Vol. 96, No. 7 ( 1997-10-07), p. 2228-2232
Abstract:
Background Despite a wealth of data detailing increased metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 expression and activity in abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs), no studies examine the relationship between aortic size and MMP-9 expression. Because elastolysis occurs early in AAA formation, we hypothesized that MMP-9 expression would vary with aortic diameter. The purpose of this study was to measure MMP-9 mRNA levels in AAAs of various diameters and define the relationship between AAA size and MMP-9 expression. Methods and Results MMP-9 mRNA levels were measured by competitive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using gene-specific external standards with cDNA from AAAs (n=19) and normal aortas (n=4). Levels were normalized to GAPDH mRNA, determined separately via competitive PCR, to control for efficiency of reverse transcription. AAA size was measured on CT scans obtained within 6 weeks of surgery. MMP-9/GAPDH mRNA transcript levels in AAAs were expressed as mean±SEM and analyzed by ANOVA with a Tukey adjustment. There was a fourfold elevation in MMP-9/GAPDH mRNA transcript levels in 5.0- to 6.9-cm AAAs (98.06±15.19) compared with small (3.0- to 4.9-cm) AAAs (20.87±5.15, P 〈 .03), large ( 〉 7-cm) AAAs (27.16±14.56, P 〈 .01), or normal aortas (3.57±1.13, P 〈 .003). The results did not change when they were normalized to patient height, nor were there significant differences in risk factors, age, or sex in each AAA group. Conclusions MMP-9 mRNA expression is significantly higher in moderate-diameter (5- to 6.9-cm) AAAs than either small ( 〈 4.0-cm) or large ( 〉 7.0-cm) AAAs. Increased MMP-9 expression may account for the propensity of AAAs 〉 5 cm to continue to expand, in contrast to smaller aneurysms. Lower levels in AAAs 〉 7 cm suggest that increases in other enzymes or in diameter-dependent mechanical stress on the aortic wall are responsible for their characteristic rapid expansion and high rupture rates.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
0009-7322
,
1524-4539
DOI:
10.1161/01.CIR.96.7.2228
Language:
English
Publisher:
Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Publication Date:
1997
detail.hit.zdb_id:
1466401-X
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