Red Wine Polyphenolic Compounds Strongly Inhibit Pro-Matrix Metalloproteinase-2 Expression and Its Activation in Response to Thrombin via Direct Inhibition of Membrane Type 1–Matrix Metalloproteinase in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells

Abstract

The present findings demonstrate that RWPCs effectively inhibit thrombin-induced matrix invasion of VSMCs, most likely by preventing the expression and activation of MMP-2 via direct inhibition of MT1-MMP activity. The inhibitory effect of RWPCs on the activation of pro-MMP-2 and matrix degradation might contribute to their beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system.