Ubiquitous Elevation of Matrix Metalloproteinase-2 Expression in the Vasculature of Patients With Abdominal Aneurysms

Abstract

Patients with AAA have elevated MMP-2 levels in the vasculature remote from the aorta. This finding is due to increased MMP-2 expression from SMCs, a characteristic maintained in tissue culture. These data support both the systemic nature of aneurysmal disease and a primary role of MMP-2 in aneurysm formation.