Alcohol Modulation of Cardiac Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs) and Tissue Inhibitors of MMPs Favors Collagen Accumulation

Abstract

Alcohol exposure modulates cardiac fibroblast MMP/TIMP expression favoring a profile associated with collagen accumulation. Our data suggest that this disrupted MMP/TIMP profile may contribute to the development of myocardial fibrosis and cardiac dysfunction resulting from chronic alcohol abuse.