MMP Polymorphisms and Acute Coronary Syndromes

Some Matrix Metalloproteases, proteases degrading the extracellular matrix, play a relevant role in structure and stability of atherosclerotic plaques. Atherosclerotic plaques triggering acute coronary syndromes show increased expression of MMP-1, MMP-3 and MMP-9. Regulation of these MMPs is plaid by genetic polymorphisms, G+/G- at -1563 for MMP-1, 4A/5A- at -1612 for MMP-3, and a microsatellite (13-27 CA repeats around -90) for MMP-9. It is conceivable that these polymorphisms correlate with the clinical outcome of acute coronary syndromes, particularly with those without ST segment Elevation (NSTEACS).