Neutrophil Elastase in Human Atherosclerotic Plaques

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Background— Catabolism of the extracellular matrix (ECM) contributes to vascular remodeling in health and disease. Although metalloenzymes and cysteinyl proteinases have garnered much attention in this regard, the role of serine-dependent proteinases in vascular ECM degradation during atherogenesis remains unknown. We recently discovered the presence of the metalloproteinase MMP-8, traditionally associated only with neutrophils, in atheroma-related cells. Human neutrophil elastase (NE) plays a critical role in lung disease, but the paucity of neutrophils in the atheromatous plaque has led to neglect of its potential role in vascular biology. NE can digest elastin, fibrillar and nonfibrillar collagens, and other ECM components in addition to its ability to modify lipoproteins and modulate cytokine and MMP activity. Methods and Results— Fibrous and atheromatous plaques but not normal arteries contained NE. In particular, NE abounded in the macrophage-rich shoulders of atheromatous plaques with histological ...