Reduction of mouse atherosclerosis by urokinase inhibition or with a limited-spectrum matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor

Conclusions
Pharmacological inhibition of either uPA or selected MMPs decreased atherosclerosis in SR-uPA mice. uPA inhibition decreased aortic dilation. Differential effects of both agents on aortic root vs. distal aortic atherosclerosis suggest prevention of atherosclerosis progression vs. initiation. Systemic inhibition of uPA or a subset of MMPs shows promise for treating atherosclerosis.

Source: Cardiovascular Research - February 23, 2015 Category: Cardiology Authors: Hu, J. H., Touch, P., Zhang, J., Wei, H., Liu, S., Lund, I. K., Hoyer-Hansen, G., Dichek, D. A. Tags: Vascular biology Source Type: research