Influence of Statins in Artery Aneurysms

The altered balance between the proteinases and their tissue inhibitors (TIMPS) is one of the pathogenetical mechanism of the aneurysmatic connective tissue degeneration. The increasement of protease, collagenase and elastase activity results indeed in a dramatic drop of collagen and elastin tissue and serum levels.Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a group of proteolytic enzymes that along with their specific and non-specific inhibitors modulate the extracellular matrix composition. Recent studies have suggested an interesting role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in the regulation mechanisms of inflammation. The aim of our study is to analyse the influence of statin treatment on aneurysmatic disease by monitoring MMPs and miRNAs in aneurysmatic wall tissue and MMps blood levels.