Vulnerable atherosclerotic plaque rupture is the principal mechanism that accounts for
myocardial infarction and stroke. High matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) expression and …

Macrophages have been identified as a critical factor in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.
Ultrasmall iron oxide particles (USPIOs) have been used to passively target intraplaque …

Abstract Tanshinone II A (TSIIA) is a diterpene quinone extracted from the roots of Salvia
miltiorrhiza with anti-inflammatory and anti‑oxidant properties that is used to treat …

Atherosclerosis is the main pathophysiological process underlying acute cardiovascular
diseases. Life-threatening conditions, such as myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke, are …

Coronary atherosclerosis progresses both as slow, gradual enlargement of focal plaque and
also as a more dynamic process with periodic abrupt changes in plaque geometry, size, and …

Background: Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9, a member of the MMP superfamily is
consistently implicated in the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis and plaque rupture, the …

The system of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their tissue inhibitors (TIMPs) may play
a key role in atherogenesis of chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients by its impact on matrix …

Experimental and clinical evidence supports the concept that metalloproteinases (MMPs),
beyond different physiologic functions, also play a role in the development and rupture of the …

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are expressed in atherosclerotic plaques and play an
important role in plaque instability. Methods: Using 99mTc-labeled broad-spectrum MMP …

OBJECTIVE: Inflammatory cell activation plays a key role in atherosclerotic plaque growth
and acute complications. While secretion of proteases and inflammatory cytokines are likely …