Matrix metalloproteinase-3 and coronary remodelling: Implications for unstable coronary disease

Abstract

Objectives: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are plausible candidates for prediction of unstable coronary syndromes. We hypothesised that the MMP-3 polymorphism (- 1171, 5A/6A) would relate to coronary plaque characteristics and unstable clinical presentation. Methods and results: Forty patients with de novo presentation of coronary artery disease (CAD) were classified into unstable coronary syndrome (n = 19) or stable angina pectoris (n = 21). On coronary intravascular ultrasound, patients with unstable disease had a greater plaque burden, more positive (outward) coronary remodelling, and all but one were MMP-3 6A allele carriers (p = 0.027 compared with stable). The relationship between th..