MT1-MMP expressed by VSMCs plays a key role in limiting the progression of atherosclerosis in APOE-null mice by regulating proliferative responses and inhibiting the deterioration of VSMC function in atherogenic vascular walls.
The traditional atherosclerosis risk factors were recorded, and the MMP 14 polymorphism were genotyped by Applied Biosystems 7300 Real-Time PCR System using the TaqMan assay.
Considering the important role of apoE for lipid metabolism and atherosclerosis protection, our findings suggest that MMP-14 plays an essential role for the development of hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis as a result of degradation of apoE.