Matrix metalloproteinase activity in patients with ascending aortic aneurysm of different etiology
Objective. To study the impact of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) and extracellular matrix proteins on the ascending aorta structural changes in patients with ascending aortic aneurysms of different etiology. Design and methods. 32 patients were included: 26 patients with ascending aortic aneurysm and 6 controls. Both the content and activity of MMP-2, -9 were estimated in the intraoperative biopsies together with the amount of fibrillin, elastin and collagen. Results and conclusion. The development of ascending aortic aneurysm is associated with increased MMP activity. The ascending aortic dilatation in bicuspid aortic valve is associated with increased MMP-2, -9 and collagen/elastin ratio in aortic tissue.